"Writer recollects true meaning of Memorial Day" from the May 31, 1973 Door County Advocate
By GRACE SAMUELSON
Writer recollects true meaning of Memorial Day
By GRACE SAMUELSON
This year weather caused the cancellation of the Memorial Day parade and program, as it has sometimes in the past. But in years past the day was always observed on the 30th, and shortly after the turn of the century it was a very big day, indeed, and the entire community took part. A day to decorate the graves of loved ones, and especially, to honor the men who had died for their country. A big day for the veterans of past wars. And, for dwindling numbers of Civil War veterans. members of the Grand Old Army, the “Boys in Blue,” this was the most important day of the year.
The last surviving member of the G.A.R. was Henry J. Grandy, or, Grandpa Grandy, as he was known to all. He was the father-in-law of William Maples (who operated Halstead-Maples Hardware Store for many years). We lived across the street from Maples’, on Poplar st.; (now Oregon st.). Grandpa Grandy, with his snow-white hair and long white beard, was a fascinating personage in our neighborhood. We often slipped over to sit on his front porch and listen to stories he told of the “good old days,” and Civil War days in particular.
On Memorial Day he was an honored guest and rode in the parade in full dress uniform. Before the advent of cars, I imagine he rode a horse in the parade, as he had served in the Cavalry. In his late years, he rode in a car with its top down, his head bare, and still took active part in the ceremonies.
Perhaps the reason we were so happy about parades in those days was because we were always in them. On the day before Memorial Day all of the children went picking wild flowers after school, to decorate the graves next day. Violets, both purple and yellow, anemones, mayflowers, spring beauties, trilliums and bloodroot made a colorful display. They stood overnight in water; then the stems were carefully wrapped in damp cloths and tied in paper, for carrying.
All of the children gathered at the school, and then we marched to Bayside cemetery, with our flags and our flowers. It seems that love of country, and of the flag for which it stands was taught us along with our ABC’s. “Three cheers for the red, white and blue” was not just an idle phrase. We were told: Red means “Be brave.” White means “Be Pure,” and Blue says “Be True.”
No one apologized for flag-waving in those days! Prominent citizens spoke at the program in the cemetery; the flag was lowered to half-staff; recognition was given all the old soldiers present; then the school children placed wild flower bouquets and flags on departed veteran’s graves. After the program we picnicked under the big trees before hiking back home.
We, in our neighborhood, were so proud to know Grandpa Grandy, the last of the Civil War veterans, and never tired of listening to his stories. He was born in October 1838, in Clinton County, N. Y. He was 23 when he enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry regiment, at Earlville, Ill. in 1861. A member of the Advance Guard of General Grant’s army (called the Army of Tennessee), this contingent was known to be the best rifle company. At one time when they rode into a contingent of the enemy, a shot from a cannon killed the horse Grandy was riding, wounded another soldier, and killed an orderly, but Grandy was unhurt.
After the war he farmed at Institute, then, around 1900, moved to Sturgeon Bay, and lived with his daughter and son-in-law, William Maples. He sold his farm to Louis Stevenson.
He died on Jan. 6, 1923, as active in peace as he had been in war. MacArthur said, “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.” But Grandpa Grandy, the last of the “boys in blue” has not faded from memory. And many can be proud to be an American, unashamed to show love of flag and country, through the influence of such as he.
Courtesy of the Door County Library Newspaper Archive
Articles by Grace Samuelson
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