THE LAST ALARM

Memory is the priceless heritage of the ages. It is the echoing voice of happy days, experience, and emotions, fond recollections, friendships, and the comradeship of those whose hearts were true. Today we are standing in memory of our departed brother who will never return from his last alarm. Tradition tells us that he is dead; reason tells us that he will only be absent a little while; memory tells us he will be with us all the days of our lives, and faith tells us that we shall some day meet again. In the midst of his earthly activities, the pale rider came and signaled him to his realm of eternity. Obedient to his duty, he lay down his earthly tasks, and with a fearless smile on his lips, he responded to the degree of the Great White Throne of the eternal love beyond the azure skies. Within the enshrouding soil, his mortal body reposes, so that loved ones might pilgrimage thither with fragrant flowers, tokens of affectionate remembrance. But the soul of our departed brother is on the wings of angels, bound for the far distant shores of eternal bliss, where the Almighty Ruler of perfect love will hand to him the priceless gift of immortality. Each wind that sweeps back to us from the eternal shores bears the admonishing voice of our departed brother who seeks to tell that life is short and time is fleeting. His voice is tinged with affection and clarified with the wisdom of his new adventure. Whispers, that it is best we enjoy earthly things, that we honor our father and our mother; that we hold as sacred the veneration of a Supreme Being, practice faithfulness in all things, help the unfortunate, the poor and distressed. Develop fine spirit and high courage, and engender generosity to our friends, neighbors, and strangers within our gates; help the unfortunate and fill their hearts with the melodious music of tolerance and mercy. Be true to our God, our homes and our country, and all the days of our lives let our hearts be softened by the beautiful dictates of justice. And so, dear brothers, when we too respond to our Last Alarm, we shall find our departed brother waiting with the light of love in his eyes, to lead us to the Eternal Father, who rewards those who love truths, practice charity, honor chastity, and stand with justice. And with the deepest reverence, dear brothers, let us bow our heads for a little while, and say a prayer for the repose of the soul, of he, who will never return from his Last Alarm: Amen.