of the battles with the Indians, which tells of the glories not only of
victories but of the defeats of the heroes of the Revolution--all are
incentives for purer and better citizenship. And so, too, as we recall
the struggles to the death of the descendants of these earlier settlers
in the greatest civil war that the world has ever known, let us to-day,
both in charity and in patriotism, remember them all as heroes. While we
may differ as to the principles for which they fought, there is no
conflict of opinion, no divergence in thought, which bids us to-day to
withhold our admiration for all those who took part in that great
struggle. It was but a page in our nation's history, but a page shaded
by human blood. It was but the working out the will of Divine
Providence, so that from its baptism of blood our republic might emerge
greater, stronger and more powerful than ever before, that there might
thereafter be no sectional hate, no dividing line in the patriotism of
our people. This it is which should inspire us to-day. More progress, a
further advance in civilization, the extending of a helping hand to the
afflicted and the welcoming word to the oppressed, should be concrete
evidence of America's greatness and of the devotion of her people. Then
it will be that our flag, now honored and respected, honored because of
the power and the intelligence of our people, will take on additional
lustre and additional significance as that of a nation that has accepted
its duty to protect humanity at home and abroad, and to stand as the
pacificator and preserver of the peace of the world."

At the conclusion of the afternoon exercises Governor Odell reviewed the
New York State troops on the plaza in Forest Park. The review was held
in the presence of a large assemblage and was an inspiring sight.


OPENING DAY