Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-06-09

walked me from the reverie into which
mere imagination had thrown me. H.
PRoCTORsVILLE. - The interesting
ceremony of strewing flowers upon the
graves of those who had given life for
the salvation of the country was observed
in Ludlow and Cavendiah Post Howard
G. A. R., had charge of the observances,
and performed their part admirably. The
Ludlow band added very much to the
| pleasure and interest of the occasion.
They are well entitled to the gratitude of
the people who assembled. The graves in
Ludlow were first decorated. and the
Grafton by Col. t. 0. Seaver was there de-
| livered. The ladies of Ludlow with their
wonted energy and skill had prepared the
floral offerings in great numbers and va
riety. At the close of the interesting
ceremonies there the members of the
Post, the Band, and large number of
citizens visited Proctorsville. After music
| by the band, and we'll performed song,
a very appropriate prayer was offered by
| the Rev Mr.. Russell. The dedicntory
speech of President Lincoln at Gettysburg
was then read by Capt. l.. L. Sherman,
and Col. Seaver gave his grafton. After
decorating the graves at both cemeteries
at Proctorsville the procession moved to
! Duttonsville. There fervent prayer was
offered by the Rev. Mr. Brown. Some re-
marks were made by Capt. Sherman, Capt.
Spaulding and others. The part the ladies
acted in these villages, like those in Lud-
low, is worthy of all praise. 1t was highly
gratifying to every patriotic mind to
witness the deep interest manifested by
the people in Ludlow and Cavendish.
| Places of business in each of the villages
named were closed, and all heartily unit
ed in the sad, but deeply interesting cere-
monies. Col. Seaver's Grafton was one OF
great merit, it was profound in thought,
beautiful in expression, and eloquent in
delivery. I trust it will be given to the
public. During the ceremonies ex-Gov.
Fletcher was called upon at both Proctors-
vile and Duttonsville and spoke as fol-
lows:
Members Of the g. A. r. and Fell0w
| Citizens To me this occasion is one of
deep and thrilling interest. 1t had its
origin in some of the noblest impulses OF
the human heart. Years in their rapid
flight are fast separating us from those
exhibitions of bravery and patriotism,
those scenes of suffering and blood which
were witnessed in the war of the rebellion.
As we move away from that eventful
period, we are in danger of forgetting
what was done and suffered by those
patriotic men who rallied to the defense
of their imperilled country, and gave up
life that she might live. We should
guard against the approach of ingratitude
and forgetfulness. We should strive to
keep alive in our own minds, and transmit
to our children full sense of the solemn
obligations we are under to those gallant
men, who under God saved the Union
who wiped from our national escutcheon,
the foul, leprous stain of slavery who
freedom, and the rights of man through
out the world. In the glorious achieve
ments of the war tens of thousands OF
heroic men have fallen. | am happy to
know that loving hearts and willing
hands are this day strewing flowers to the
blessed memory of the patriot dead. II
is cheering indication of gratitude aud
patriotism. The memory OF their noble
deeds should never die. Millions yet un.
known will reap the fruits of their suffer.
1 ings. Their names should be indissolubly
connected with their country's history.
The decoration of graves is not mere
ceremony, an empty fragrant, no; it has
a deeper significance bespeaks heart
felt gratitude for worthy Deeds is g
tribute to the memory of the departed
champions of liberty. 1t is sad to reflect
that those patriotic hearts once moved by
the noblest impulses of our nature, are
motionless in the grave.
i What would be our condition to-day
fellow citizens, had the Infatuated rebel:
triumphed ? The temple of liberty would
have been torn down, and foul confeder
acy established, having for its corner
stone internal slavery. 1t is but justice
| to remark that this organization is yet in
It's infancy, not yet made acquainted with
!, every spot where their beloved comrades
! sleep, they would be happy to visit eacl
i resting place with tokens of affection
, however remote or obscure might be tina
place.