Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1869-06-04
Decoration Day at Ludlow.

Oh tbCtibtu OStuiiSo CIV i-uNAp"
on the 29th of May. Although in the
forenoon the weather appeared very I'M
propitious, at / o'clock p NJ a large con-
course of citizens and strangers had as
sembled at Hammond's Hall, to join in
the procession through the principal
streets, to the cemetery where lie the re-
mains of eighteen brave boys who sac
rifced their lives for their country.
AT half past one the procession formed
for the march to the cemetery in the fol
lowing order: The Post Commander, the
Past Post Commander, Post Adjutant,
and officer Of the day, mounted. Anti.
mont Cornet Band, the Colors of the
Post, draped, with color guard, Officers
of the Post. Eighteen young ladies
dressed in white with mourning sashes,
and draped flags, the comrads of the
Post, Ex-soldiers and sailors not mem
bers of the Post, the citizens of Ludlow
and Cavendish, citizens and strangers.
The procession when formed, marched
through the principal streets to the GEM
etery, to music by the Antimont Cornet
Band, of this place. Much credit is due
to the citizens Of Ludlow and Cavendish,
for their kindness in furnishing to the
members of Howard Encampment, Post
No. 6, Grand Army of the Republic, bo-
guets of flowers with which to decorate
the graves of their Fallen Comrades"
On arriving at the cemetery, the ceremo-
ny of decorating graves begun. The
first grave decorated was that of Capt
James T. Gorham, after which prayer
was offered by Rev. j. P. Stone, and
verses read. The procession then pro,
ceeded to the other graves, strewing flow.
ers over the remains of their comrades
The ceremony was very affecting and
many an eye glistened with tears as they
thought of the hardships that had been
passed through by the now Sleeping
Soldiers" At the last grave, prayer
was offered by Rev. Ira Pearson, after
which the procession returned to Ham
monds hall, to listen to the address OF
the Post Commander. The hall was lit
orally packed with people from this and
adjoining towns. The exercises begar
with prayer by Rev. j. P. Stone, after
which the band discoursed the we'll know
strain Hail Columbia" The address
of President Lincoln at Gettysburg wa
then read by the Post Chaplain d. T
Coolidge, M. d. Music by the Band
after which the address of G. S. Redfeld
Post Commander and j. V. Commando
OF the department of Vermont, was de
llvered. 1t was very fine and elabc
rately written address. Showing the ur
initiated the purposes of the organize
ton, he said that the organization wa
not military or political organization
but had for its purpose the support c
the widows and fatherless children of d.
ceased soldiers, who are needy and de.
titute, that the motto of the Post was tn
Republic now and the Republic foreve
Music by the band, and benediction b
Rev. Ira Pearson, when the meeting Wa
dissolved.
Thus has passed day which wi
never be forgotten, The order known
the Grand army of the Republic, is OF
which is doomed to an early fall, if IL
strict rule is adhered to, as none bu
" Veteran Soldiers" can go" behind tn
scenes" but while it does exist, let it
our resolve as each Decoration Day
rolls on in the long vista of years, to hel
and encourage them in their beautifi
and touching custom of decorating Il
graves of the Brave boys in Blue"
1t is sad to think of the fallen who:
graves have received no tribute of 10,
and affection to-day, who like ninetee
of Ludlow's fallen heroes, sleep anon
strangers, their graves are scattered a
over the Southern States from Virgin
| swamps to Georgia Plains.
TS No marble n,,sas, slsb Or gravsn stone.
SWIFT.