USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic adopted by the National Encampment at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 13, 1869 > Part 2
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O. D. All present are not Sokliers.
C. All Recruits are requested to retire.
O. D., (after re-examination.) Commander, all now present are Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic.
[Business pertaining to proposals and election to the second grade will then be proceeded with. If Reernits are to be adroneed, the Officer of the Day will say : ]
O. D. Commander, among the comrades who have retired are [three] Recruits who have asked to be advanced to this grade, and who await your orders.
C. Yon will instrnet the Officer of the Guard to retire, ascer- tain their names, and report.
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0. D. The Officer of the Guard will execute the orders of the Commander.
[O. G. retires and returns.] .
O. G. Officer of the Day, I find waiting (A B, C D, and E F,) who claim to have faithfully served the appointed time as Reeruits. and ask to be advanced.
C. Adjutant, have these Recruits been reported to yon as meritorious ?
Adj. Commander, they have been specially recommended by two comrades of this grade.
C. Quartermaster, are these Recruits free from all charges ?
Q. M. Commander, they are.
C. The Officer of the Day will retire, taking with him the proper vouchers and record of original master-in, and satisfy himself by examination that these Recruits are entitled to the privilege they claim.
[The O. G. accompanies the O. D. to the outpost.]
0. D., (returning, salutes ut altar.) Commander, I have obeyed your orders and find (A B, C D, and E F) to be entitled to promotion to the grade of Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic.
C. The Officer of the Day will admit the Recruits.
[During the return of the O. D. to the Post, the O. G. will arrange the Recruits in single file at the inner door, placing him- self on the right of the first Recruit, prepared to enter. The O. D. gives two rups at the door, and is answered By two from the O. G., when the door is opened by the inside sentinel ; the Recruits enter und are immediately hulted by the O. D., who says :]
0. D. Officer of the Guard, who are these that seek admis- sion among the Soldiers of the Grand Army?
0. D. These are Recruits of the Grand Army who, having served according to the term of their muster-in, are now ordered to be admitted for promotion.
Chaplain. "Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is. If any man's work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward." [To be read slowly and distinctly.]
0. D. Recruits of the Grand Army, we reward only those whose work is made manifest, and who abide well and faithfully in the service which they voluntarily enter. Sokliers of the Republic have been tried by fire and passed through the fur-
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nace of war, and in this noble association, having first united ourselves by the strongest bonds of fraternity, now seek to manifest our work by such acts as will relieve the suffering of our comrades, their widows and orphans. Listen now to words of wisdom :
Chaplain. "Though I speak with the tongnes of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor; and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vannteth not itself; is not puffed np; doth not behave itself unseemly ; seek- eth not her own; is not easily provoked; thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things; believeth all things; hopeth all things; endureth all things. Charity never faileth. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity." [ Chap- lain resumes his seat.]
0. D. We will now proceed to the headquarters of the Com- mander. [Mores slowly, and when arriring near the J. V. C., that officer says : ]
J. V. C. Halt! Who are these passing towards the quarters of the Commander?
0. D. These are Recruits who, after proper instruction and discipline, are on their way to the quarters of the Commander for advancement as Soldiers in the Grand Army of the Republic.
J. V. C. Have they been faithful to their obligation of fra- ternity heretofore assumed ?
0. D. They have been faithful to their trust and obedient to orders.
J. V. C. Advance, take position of a soldier, and give the pass-word of a Recruit. [ Recruits adrance and gire pass-word.] It is right.
J. V. C. Asrecruits in the Grand Army, yon have been found true and faithful to your solemn obligation. You have thus far only learned in part the duties devolving upon those who are connected with the Grand Army. It is not simply that we greet one another as comrades, but that we also endeavor to
1
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do works of charity, recognizing our duty towards those whose wonnds have rendered them unable, in whole or in part, to . assist themselves, and aiding the widows and orphans of our comrades. Are you ready to assume the additional obligation which we have all taken? [ Euch Recruit answers:] I AM. Yon will then be placed in proper position at the altar, but before assuming this solemn obligation, let me exhort you: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all things be alone with charity.
[The Recruits are placed ut the altar, left hand on the Bible and sword, right hand pointing wporard. S. V. C. and J. V. C. take position as before, O. D. in reur of altar and C. near altar, between it and Commander's desk ; O. G. in line with and in rear of C.]
C. Yon will severally prononce your names and repeat after me the obligation :
I, (A B,) in the presence of Almighty God and these Sol- diers of the Grand Army of the Republic, do solemnly promise that I will not, in any manner whatever, make known the secrets of the grade of a Soklier to a Recruit of the Grand Army, and that I will not, in any manner or way whatever, communicate to any person, not a Soldier or Reernit, the secrets of either grade. I also promise that I will not communicate to any person or persons whatever, except to the sentinel, or offi- cer ou duty, when properly challenged by them, any pass-word, sigu, or grip, established and used in this grade of the Grand Army.
I also promise that I will faithfully observe the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Army, particularly the rules and regulations of the second grade of Soldier, and that I will not conmmmicate the proceedings had in that grade to any Recruit, or to any other person not a soldier; and I further prom- ise that I will not make kuown the name of any person who may speak or vote against the promotion of a Reernit; I further promise that I will help, aid and assist any poor or distressed soldier, and the widows and orphans of my late comrades, so far as I can withont injury to myself or family.
I further promise that I will in all matters of employment prefer comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic to any other person, other things being equal, such matter of employ- ment being in whole or in part at my disposal.
And I do promise, in all things connected with the Grand Army, to exercise a spirit of fraternity and charity towards all
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my comrades, calling upon myself the scorn and contempt of all honorable men, should I knowingly or willingly prove false and faithless to this my second obligation. So help me God and keep me true to my obligation.
[ Recruits arise, and officers resume their proper stations.]
C. Comrades, having taken upon yon the solemn obligation of this grade, it gives me pleasure to greet you as Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The door of this Post has been opened to yon upon giving two raps; which are designed to represent the two points upon which yon now stand-the points of Fraternity and Charity.
As yon entered the Post, you heard words which set forth in beautiful language the great virtne of charity. Comrades, may that lesson uever be lost upon your hearts; but may the practice of charity, especially to those associated with you here, be exemplified in your life and condnet at all future times.
In taking the obligation, your right hand pointed towards the skies. It was significant of the heaven-born virtne which this grade inenleates, of the Divine sanction which you invoked, and of the blessings with which God answers charity. You have not failed to see maimed soldiers now dependent on others; brave men, who dared death for our country, now left to want. Be it your privilege, with us, to relieve their wants. The widows and orphans of the dead, once enjoying plenty, now need the liberal hand. Be it your privilege to feed the hungry.
But for a kind Providence yon might also have been shat- tered in limb or made helpless by inenrable disease. You might have been laid under the sod beside your dead comrades, and those dear to you be left to the charities of the world. Let the memory of past dangers make you ready to stand by those who stood by you, to help those who have no earthly helper.
Who like soldiers can sympathize with disabled comrades or the widows and orphans of those whose ties with you have been welded in the fire of battle !
Here, also, let charity reign. If we have ambitions and rival- ries, let it be ambition only to excel each other in the practice of every virtne, and to rival one another in acts of charity.
We pledge ourselves to stand by you and yours in time of need. Because we believe yon worthy of this assurance, and ready to meet it in a true soldierly spirit, we have received you to this fellowship.
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That you will be faithful to your obligations we have no doubt, and when time and zeal shall have made you proficient in this grade, you will be advanced to other duties and other privileges.
The grips, signs, and pass-word of this grade will now be made known to you by the Officer of the Day, after which you will sign the roll of Soldiers, and then take your seats in this Post.
OPENING-THIRD GRADE.
C. Officer of the Day, are all present Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic ?
0. D. All present are not Veterans.
C. Those comrades who have not been promoted to the Vet- eran grade will please retire.
C. Officer of the Day, are the approaches to this Post securely guarded by sentinels of the third grade.
O. D. I will cause investigation to be made and direct the approaches to be properly guarded. [Turning to O. G.] Officer of the Guard, you will make examination at the outpost and camp guard, and observe that all sentinels ou duty are Vet- erans of the third grade.
[O. G. retires and instructs the guards ; returns to his post and salutes O. D.]
O. G. I have made examination at the outpost and camp guard, and find the sentinels on duty are Veterans of the third grade.
0. D. Commander, the Officer of the Guard reports that, having made examination at the outpost and camp guard, he finds the Post securely guarded.
C. How securely guarded ?
0. D. By Veteran sentinels of the third grade.
C. What are their instructions from the Officer of the Guard ?
0. D. To allow none to approach the Post who are not mem- bers of the third grade, and to carefully examine all who claim to be Veterans before admitting them.
C. Let all our sentinels be faithful, remembering that by eternal vigilance is national liberty maintained.
[Three raps.]
C. Senior Vice Commander, upon what rest the hopes of our Republic ?
S. V. C. Que country, one flag !
C. Junior Vice Commander, how may one country be kept undivided and one flag be maintained unsullied ?
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J. V. C. By eternal vigilance, which is the price of liberty.
C. Officer of the Day, what should be the doom of all traitors ?
[O. D., standing in front of C., smartly drais his sword, followed by all the officers, taking position of "guard," at same time O. D. says : ]
0. D. The penalty of treason is death !
[Respouse by all : ] THE PENALTY OF TREASON IS DEATH !
C. And may death be the portion of all traitors, and may loyalty to our country and its flag distinguish ns, that we may transmit one country and one flag as a priceless heritage to our children.
[Officers return swords.]
C. PARADE, REST!
[ Chaplain kuerls at altar.]
PRAYER.
[ Any other prayer may be substituted. ]
Great Commander of the Universe, draw near with the influ- ences of Thy spirit as we, Thy servants, in a spirit of true devotion, and with that loyalty to country which Thon hast blest in the past, now draw near to Thee. Be pleased most graciously to imbue as plenteously with Thy grace and with that wisdom which shall make us intelligent defenders of our country and its emblematic flag.
We thank Thee that Thon didst give to our fathers the wis- dom and strength required in establishing this republican gov- ernment with its free Constitution, that for so many years Thon didst preserve the uation in peace and in war, and that in the day when treason sought to divide and humiliate us, when traitors held up their heads and rejoiced. Thon didst smite them as with a rod of iron, and that Thou didst give to us, Thy servants, the disposition and the strength to aid, cach in his appointed line of duty, in the great work of saving our com- mon country.
In our present assemblage, O Lord, be with us!
In our present duties, O Lord, bless ns! In all the future, O Lord, protect and preserve ns! In Thy eternal kingdom, O Lord, save us! And unto Thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, shall be aseribed glory, honor, and power forever. Amen. [ Response by all : ] AMEN.
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[One rap.]
C. I now declare this Post of Veterans open in dne form. [ Business pertaining to Veteran grade may be transacted.]
ADVANCEMENT .- THIRD GRADE.
C. Adjutant, have you any business upon your table demand- ing attention !
Adj. Commander, I have the applications of (A B, C D, and E F,) Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic, who request advancement to the grade of Veterans.
C. Adjutant, are you satisfied that they have been advanced to the grade of Soldiers ?
Adj. Commander, they have been borne npon the roll of Sol- diers since, [date, ] and have faithfully discharged their duties.
C. Have they received the approval of the comrades of this . grade ?
Adj. Commander, they have.
(. Quartermaster, are they free from all dues to the Post ?
Q. M. Commander, they are.
( !. Officer of the Day, ascertain if these Soldiersare in waiting.
[O. D. salutes cond retires, and soon returns.]
0. D. Commander, I find ( B, C D, and E F,) Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic, waiting to learn the result of their request.
C. Officer of the Day, you will escort the Senior Vice Com- mander to our ontpost, and he will examine these Soldiers, ascertaining if they are worthy and well qualified to be pro- moted as Veterans.
[S. V. C. and O. D. take position in rear of altar, salute, and retire. The regular encampment guard is non placed on post by the O. G.]
AT OUTPOST.
[O. D. places Soldiers in line facing S. T. C.]
S. V. C. Comrades (A B, C D, and E F.) having been ims- tered in as Recruits and advanced as Soldiers in the Grand Army of the Republic, the Veterans of this Post have listened to your request for promotion, and, after careful examination, having formed a favorable opinion of yon, do now propose to promote you, with proper ceremonies, to the grade of Veteran. It may seem superfinons to question for a moment the loyalty of one who has already breasted the storm of treason that for four
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years desolated our common conutry; but in all ages of the world, from the days of Judas to those of Arnold, and from Arnold to Davis, men have proved false to their obligations and their most sacred honor; hence we learn that ouly by a constant reenrrence to the great principles of loyalty can we remain steadfast and true. For these reasons we require an obliga- tion of loyalty, which shall be as strong and binding as words can make an obligation, and which shall be sincerely taken, without mental reservation or intention to evade. He who assimes it will in no way be hampered by it, so long as he loves to keep in the path of true loyalty, detesting treason and all that leads to it. With this explanation, are you ready to assume the obligation ?
[ Each ansirers : ] I AM.
S. T. C. Yon will wait under, charge of the Officer of the Day until I report to the Commander.
[S. T. C. returns to the Post and near the oltar salutes and retires.]
S. V. C. Commander, I have attended to the duty assigned me, and find the Soldiers at the outpost worthy and well qual- ified to be promoted as Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.
C. The Senior Vice Commander having assured himself that the Soldiers at the outpost are worthy and well qualified for promotion, the Officer of the Guard will inform the Officer of the Day that he may enter with his charge.
[O. G. ot door gires three raps, which is answered by O. D. with three raps, when the door is opened by inside sentinel, the Soldiers being drawn up in single line, with one guard at rear.]
O. G. Officer of the Day, the Commander directs me to say that you have permission to enter with your charge.
[O. G. then takes position on left of the first Soldier, and O. D. gires the order " Forward," and column mores slowly into the Post. Immediately upon entering, the Veterans sing one rerse of "Amer- ico"-"My Country "tis of Thee,"-the procession halting the moment the music commences, and at its close again mores. Upon reaching first sentinel on the right, the procession is challenged.]
1st Sen. Who comes there?
0. D. Comrades of the Grand Army, who as Soldiers proved themselves true to that fraternal principle which is the foundation of our noble institution.
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1st. Sen. Advance one Soldier and give the sign and pass- word of that grade. [ First Soldier adrances and yices the sign and pass-word of that grade.]
1st Sen. The pass is right; let the comrades pass on.
2dl Sen. Who comes there? [This challenge is giren at the same point as in the first degree.]
0. D. Comrades of the Grand Army, who as Soldiers proved themselves true to that great virtue of charity which suffereth long and is kind, and which constitutes the frame-work of our noble institution.
2d Sen. Advance one comrade and give the sign and pass- word of the Soldier's grade.
[First comrade advances and gives the sign and pass-word of Soldier's grade.
2d Sen. The pass is right; let the comrades pass on.
[The column mores on and when near the S. V. C. that officer challenges.]
S. V. C. Who comes there ?
0. D. Comrades of the Grand Army, who as Reernits proved themselves true to the spirit of fraternity which is the founda- tion of our institution, and as Soldiers proved themselves true to that great virtue of charity which constitutes the frame-work of our institution; and who now seek the headquarters of the Commander of this Post.
S. V. C. Comrades seeking the quarters of the Commander must be possessed of the pass-word which proves them Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.
O. D. Alas! these comrades have not the Veteran password, but having served faithfully in the preceding grades, they now claim that by experience and steadfastness they are worthy to be promoted to all the privileges of Veterans.
S. V. C. Their ambition is landable and worthy of imitation by all comrades of the Grand Army, but before entrusting to them the pass-word of this grade, it is necessary that they should take a solemn obligation of loyalty to the country and govern- ment, such as we have all taken and which binds us to one country and one flay!
[ Response by all Veterans : ] ONE COUNTRY AND ONE FLAG!
S. V. C. The comrades will be conducted to the altar, where, after prayer, the solemn obligation of this grade will be admin- istered to them.
[ The comrades are conducted to the altar and there caused to
!
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Incel, the Chaplain being conducted to the altar by the J. V. C., and the officers take position about the altar as in first degree, the guard standing at " order arms."]
[Three raps.]
C. PARADE, REST !
PRAYER.
[Any other prayer may be substituted. ]
Chap. Eternal Father! Great in creation, great in govern- ment, as in the hollow of Thy hand Thon dost hold all the worlds, and all the nations of the earth! And yet Thou dost condescend to notice and overrule the affairs of individuals, and not a sparrow falls to the ground without Thy notice, and the hairs of our heads are all munbered. To the Creator of worlds and the Protector of the most humble of the creatures of earth, we bow ourselves around this altar, and in all sineer- ity we pray that Thy Holy presence may abide with us, and that these, Thy servants, may be blessed and strengthened as they take upon themselves the solemn vows of loyalty.
We thank Thee that in the day of trial Thy arm was not shortened that it did not protect us; that in the day of battle, when with all our power we upheld the loyal cause, Thou didst give us the victory over the enemies of our country and its flag ; and that now, having passed through the sea of blood, we are permitted by Thy goodness to enjoy the blessings of peace in a united country, sitting without fear under the folds of that flag emblematical of liberty, equality, and fraternity ! For Thy great goodness to us as a nation, we give Thee thanks! And now, Heavenly Father, be with us in the duties of this hour. Be with, strengthen, and bless thy servants kneeling at this altar! May they be true aud faithful to their obligations! May they walk in peace through all the remaining days of their lives! May they exemplify in their conduct that fraternity of feeling which tends to promote brotherly love, that charity which is not puffed up or vain, and that loyalty which knows but one country and one flag.
Accept, O, Father, these thank-offerings of our hearts, and listen graciously to our petitions; and to Thy great name, Father, Lord, and Saviour, we will ascribe everlasting praises.
[ Response by all : ] AMEN !
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[ One rap. Order to guards :] ATTENTION!
C. Comrades, for the third time you are kneeling at the sacred altar of the Grand Army of the Republic. Yon have as Recruits proved yourselves worthy to become Soldiers, and as faithful Soldiers yon have won the esteem of your com- rades, and are deemed worthy to be advanced to the grade of Veterans.
As yon how kueel at the altar, and have listened to solemn prayer to the great Father of us all, I beg yon to reflect upon the solemnity of the occasion, and to consider that this is no ummean- ing ceremony, and that the obligation of Veterans is not merely an iteration of sentiment, but a pledge which one Veteran gives to another, upon his honor as a comrade, most solemnly calling upon Deity to witness the sincerity of the vow.
As you have been informed, this obligation is entirely patri- otie and eminently loyal in its aims, and he who assumes it and fulfills it, will keep in the path of true loyalty against treason, and all that leads to it. With this understanding of the obli- gation, are you still willing to assume it solemnly upon your- selves?
[Each Soldier answers: ] I AM WILLING.
[Three raps.]
[C. steps to altar, and directs comrade to rest the right hand on the Bible, holding the sword, and holding the flag upward in the left hand. The C. stands at or kneels at the altar, placing his right hand upon the right hand of the Soldier. When more than one is advanced, the others will stand or kncel, cach haring his left hand upan the flagstaff.]
C. Yon will pronounce your names, and repeat after me the obligation:
I, (A. B.,) in the presence of Almighty God and this Post of Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic, do hereby, on this Bible, sword, and flag, solemnly promise that I will not in way or manner communicate or make known the secrets of the Veteran degree, or the provisions of this obligation, to any Sol- dier or Reernit of the Grand Army of the Republic, or to any other person or persons whatever; and that I will not, in any way or manner whatever, communicate any proceedings or action of a Post, or words spoken by any Veteran in au en- campment of this grade, to auy cumrade of the grade of Sol- dier, or to any Reernit of the Grand Army of the Republic, or to any person or persons whatever, not members in good stand-
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 27
ing of a Post of this grade of the Grand Army of the Republic. I further promise that I will aid and assist all poor and distressed Veteran comrades of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic when I can do so withont injury to myself or family; and that I will in every honorable way or manner aid Veterans of the Grand Army in seenring suitable employment.
I further promise that I will yield obedience to the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Army, and to the rules of this Post of the Veteran grade; and that I will not countenance or be present at the installation of any comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic to any office of any Post, Department or the National Encampment who is not a Veteran of the third grade; nor will I countenance the election of any comrade as delegate or representative in the National Encampment, not a Veteran of the third grade.
I further solemly promise that I will, at all times and under all circumstances, protect and defend the Union of the Unitedl States of America, and that with my arms and all the power I possess, I will at all times, at the risk of life, when called upon, or when I see it in danger, to the best of my ability defend and protect the flag of my country, as the emblem of Union, liberty and equality.
I further promise that I will not vote for any man for any office, State or national, who is not thoroughly loyal, and iden- tified in interest and feeling with those who, upon land and sea, defended the country's cause, and gained by arms the defeat of treason.
I further promise that in a spirit of loyalty I will conscien- tiously obey the laws of the land.
I further promise that I will to the best of my ability encour- age honor and purity in all public affairs, and discourage cor- ruption and dishonesty.
To all this I solemnly promise to abide, without equivoca- tion or mental reservation, binding myself upon my honor as a man, and upon my loyal character as a Veteran, to perform and keep the same, [slowly and solemnly] calling God to witness to the truth and sincerity of this my solemn vow to my comrade Veterans. So help me God and preserve me true and stead- fast.
[ Response by all : ] AMEN !
[Commander returns to his post, followed by all the other officers, cach to their respectire positions, and guard come to " curry arms."] C. Comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, having
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taken upon yourselves the soleum obligations of the third grade, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this Vet- eran Post, and as true and faithful Veterans to extend to you its salutations.
Veterans, salute the junior Veterans of the Post!
[All give the soldier's salute, while the drum beats three ruffles, and the guard " present arms."
[One rap.]
[Guard brought to "curry arms," marched off, and dismissed.]
C. Veterans, having passed the grades of Recruits and Soldiers in the Grand Army of the Republic, yon were found at our outposts seeking promotion to the third grade.
After due examination, you were found to be worthy and well qualified for promotion, and were conducted to the door of the Post, where you gave three raps. The three raps there given will remind you of the three grades of the Grand Army, resting severally upon the three great principles of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. The door being opened, you received permission to enter, and were challenged by a sentinel, who, to make sure of your qualifications, demanded of you, and received, the pass- word of a Reernit. For the same purpose you were again con- fronted by a sentinel, who demanded and received from you the pass-word of a Soldier. Yon then advanced until you were hailed by the Senior Vice Commander, who, upon being informed that you were comrades who had proved true to the spirit of fraternity, and to that virtne of charity which suffereth long and is kind, and were seeking the headquarters of the Com- mander, informed you that before being allowed to visit the quarters of the Commander, you must be possessed of the pass- word of Veterans. Being without that pass, the word could not be conferred upon yon until you first took an obligation, which obligation you expressed a willingness to take solemnly upon yourselves. You were then placed at the altar, where the blessing of Almighty God was solemnly invoked, and you took upon yourselves the obligation of the Veteran grade. You held in one hand the flag, in the the other the sword. With the one yon are sworn to guard the other. That you know how to do it, your service in the field testifies.
It has been my pleasure to welcome you as Veterans, and to tender you the salutation in due form of this Veteran Post, and it now only remains for me to remind you that the obligation
.
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yon have voluntarily assumed pledges you under all circum- stances to a continuance of your loyal devotion to the country and its tlag. Let ns draw fresh inspiration of loyalty from the history of the past. Inflamed by passion, pride, and false theo- ries of government, wicked men precipitated civil war, threat- ening to undermine the foundations of our republican govern- ment and destroy the Union which was established by our fathers, and cemented by the blood of our countrymen. Theu it was that the patriot sons of the North, the West, the East and the South, laying aside the peaceful employments of the field. the shop, the study and the office, came to the resene, and determined that the Union, one and indivisible, should be maintained intact. Yon remember the terrible struggle that ensned. You remember the fields of blood. You remember the wounded and dying comrades yon left on many fields of car- nage. You remember the marebes and bivonaes, the defeat and retreat, the victory and pursnit; and last, yon remember the final struggle and the surrender of the rebel army to the great leader of the Union armies.
That surrender was received with joy through all the loyal States, and determined that the Union should be maintained inviolate, and that the national government in all the preroga- tives of power under the Constitution, is and must be supreme.
In continued acknowledgment of that sentiment, we declare our determination to sustain "one country and one flag," and in defense thereof we pledge our fortunes and our sacred honors; we pledge more than that, as we did in the war, we pledge our lives to the Union of our country and the honor of its flag. As by eternal vigilance national liberty is maintained, we exhort you to be vigilant in detecting the least approach to treason in word or deed, standing as faithful sentinels, ready to strike down our country's foes, whether foreign or domestic, under whatever garb they may appear.
Veterans, we repeat our welcome to ont Post; you will now receive the pass-word and grip of a Veteran from the Officer of the Day, with such other instructions as may be necessary, after which you will record your names upon the rolls of this Vet- eran Post and take your seats.
[O. D. gires grip and pass and instructs how to gain entrance at the outer and inner doors of a Veteran Post.]
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GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
CLOSING-VETERAN GRADE.
[Three rups.]
C. Veterans, our duty for this occasion is performed. As we go from this place let ns not forget to take with us into our daily lives that Fraternity of feeling which shall bind ns to- gether as comrades, that Charity which shall prompt us to the noblest sacrifices for the needy and destitute wards of our Grand Army, and that Loyalty which shall impel us to a faithful per- formance of all our duties as citizens, and an undying vigilance, which is the price of liberty.
Senior Vice Commander, upon what rests the hope of our republic?
S. V. C. One country, one flag!
C. Junior Vice Commander, how may one country be kept wundivided, and one flag be maintained unsullied ?
J. V. C. By eternal vigilance, which is the price of liberty!
C. Officer of the Day, what should be the doom of all traitors ? [Secords drawn as in opening.]
O. D. The penalty of treason is death !
[ Response by all :] THE PENALTY OF TREASON IS DEATH!
C. Such be the doom of all traitors! And may God keep you true to Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. I declare this Vet- eran Post closed.
[One rup.]
Nori :.- Music, vocal or instrumental, may be introduced in the work of either of the degrees, at the will of the comrades; and it is warmly recom- mended that music be introduced if possible.
-
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
1. Adjutant's report of last meeting.
2. Reading orders or communications from Department or national headquarters.
3. Quartermaster's report.
4. Is any comrade of this Post sick or in distress?
5. Has any comrade died since our last meeting ?
6. Reports upon applications for first grade, and ballot on same.
7. Muster-in of Reernits.
8. Reading new applications.
9. New and ifinished business.
10. Receiving proposals for advancement.
11. Voting on proposals received at a previous meeting.
12. Advancement of Recruits to the second grade.
13. Closing.
HECKMAN BINDERY INC.
-4-000
SEPT 98 Bound -To-Pleas® N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
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