PALEBANO-L Archives

Archiver > PALEBANO > 2000-05 > 0959396230


From: Jim Blease <>
Subject: Re: [PALEBANO] Annville's Memorial Day, 1900: Pt 2
Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 22:57:10 -0400


Linnea Miller wrote:
>
> "The Annville Journal", Tuesday, June 5, 1900
>
> Decoration Day
> Soldiers' Memorial Day was most fittingly observed by our people on
> Wednesday.
> The industrial works suspended operations and all the business
> places were closed for the day. Never in the history of the town were the
> private houses as well as all the public places as tastefully decorated
> with flags and bunting as they were at this time. The majority of the
> people, instead of going elsewhere to spend the day, remained at home and
> either took part in the ceremonies or witnessed the same, which proved to
> be very creditable to the town, as well as a grateful remembrance of the
> dead heroes.
> The memorial services proper too place on Mt. Annville Cemetery.
> The parade after forming on the Square started promptly at 1:30 o'clock and
> followed the route as announced in the Journal last week. The order of the
> parade was as follows:
> Washington Cornet Band
> Coleman Post No. 467, G.A.R.
> Quittapahilla Lodge No. 335, I.O.O.F.
> Annville Council No. 954, Jr. O.U.A.M.
> W.C. No. 87, P.O.S. of A.
> Carriages and Citizens
> The parade halted at the United Brethren Cemetery and a brief
> address was delivered by Mr. W. Elmer Heilman. The speaker eloquently
> re-counted the many sacrifices made by the dead soldier in defense of
> liberty and the cause of American independence. The Rev. John Boehm, of the
> Evangelical Church, made an earnest prayer, and the parade reformed and
> proceeded to the Evergreen Cemetery, where Mr. A.C. Yingst spoke with much
> force and feeling on the early events of the late civil war, and its
> consequent blessings secured by the loyal devotion of the departed soldier.
> Rev. M.F. Good here led in a fitting prayer.
> After the parade reached Mt. Annville cemetery and the usual
> services incident to the occasion had been duly performed by the officers
> of the Post, Comrade Stephen W. Boltz read Abraham Lincoln's great
> Gettysburg address. The Rev. Wm. A. Shoemaker, of the United Evangelical
> Church, was then introduced and he delivered the oration of the day. The
> speaker is a veteran of the late civil war and was in an eloquent mood for
> the occasion. He began by expressing his gratification at the continued
> interest the people manifest in the observance of this day. This great
> country owes much to her soldiers; the men who in the hour of treason and
> rebellion left home and loved ones, in defense of our rights. While the
> statesman legislated and enjoyed the comforts of home, the soldier defended
> these same comforts amidst sore trials and privations.
> True, the soldier is remembered with a pension, but his inheritance
> is crippled members and often a diseased body.
> The issues of the war were briefly stated and the triumph of the
> Union cause eloquently depicted by the speaker in vigorous language.
> Universal applause followed the delivery of the address.
> A special delegation then proceeded to decorate the grave of the
> late Miss Katie Kendig, who for many years regularly supplied the local
> Post with flowers on this occasion.
> The excellent music furnished by the Washington Cornet Band during
> the afternoon, won high praise.
> The Odd Fellows Lodge showed its patriotism by carrying a fine new
> flag in the procession, in addition to its magnificent new banner just
> received. The Junior American Mechanics presented a fine appearance and
> numerically were the strongest in the parade. Washington Camp No. 87, P.O.
> S. of A. appeared donned in elegant new caps and coats and won general
> admiration.
> Excellent order prevailed throughout the entire day and the
> sidewalks were crowded with people from town and country, and Memorial Day
> of 1900 will long be remembered for its fine display of patriotism.
> ------------

I wonder what services will be held this year, in Annville and
elsewhere, five wars later?
--
Jim Blease mailto:
Valdosta, Ga. ICQ #: 19431334

This thread: