Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-31
Marshal.
Rand
Band.
Heath Encampment 6. y. X.
Other Returned soldiers.
Aid.
City Government.
Oakland Lodge, Good IemplaTs.
Aid.
Citizens Generally.
Citizens Generally

The procession proceeded to Oak Grove
cemetery, where platform had been erected
and where the principal exercises OF the day
were to take place The weather was most
delightful, and the day a type of that enjoyed
in this city. Large crowds of people gathered
in every part OF the beautiful cemetery, while
around the stand gathered vast multitude to
engage in and listen to the exercises.
During the progress Of the procession, the
bells of the city were tolled and cannon fired.
The grand old piece,
My country, It's Of thee
was sung by choir, under the direction of
Mrs. c. 5. Stevens.
Prayer was offered by Rev Mr.. Kelley OF
the Military Asylum.
Then followed the singing, by a large choir
of children, under the leadership of Mrs.
Stevens, of the beautiful and pathetic piece,
"Sleep, soldier, sleep!n
The singing of this hymn produced an iU-
preston that cannot fade out in a day Tears
started from many eyes as the sweet and ten
der words fell from the lips of the children. 1t
was halowed and holy service.
An Grafton was then delivered hy Rev. J.
NJ. Payne of Gardiner. He referred to the
services held yesterday in the sanctuaries all
over the land, and said that to-day the Amer
lean people are again gathered togcthcr-not
in temples made by hands, but in the grand
temple of nature, in the silent city of the
dead to pay their respects to the sayours of
~ In, ba col
dier's grave is decked with flowers, but new
er before was this act OF honor SO widely OBJ
served as in our own country at the present
time. This service reminds US of the days
of patriotism and of sacrifice. In this an
nual observance we bring the richest treas
ures of earth to lay upon the graves of our
heroes.
He inquired what it was in the character of
our soldiers that calls for our praise. He said
it was the quality of heroism-Ecroism at
home and on the battle field This heroism
was exhibited by those who reared the temple
of the Republic, and it was conspicuous in
those who have shielded it from destruction.
1t exhibited itself on bloody battle fields, in
damp prison cells, in hospitals and in the
halls of legislation Indeed we may not look
to ancient battle fields for examples of hero
ism. He cited many instances of courage
that will not seem less noble compared with
any of the ancient wars He complimcnted
the army of noble women who had spoken
words of courage and hope and babe sons,
fathers, husbands and lovers away to The field
of strife; of their unexampled devotion and
tender watchfulness in hospitals and at the
beds OF the wounded and dying soldiers.
Mr.. Payne's address was brief, pointed, well
conceived and every way appropriate to the
occasion.
The decoration hymn was then sung, after
which the members of the Post proceeded to
decorate the graves of soldiers in the Gem
etery, thirty two in number.
Everything passed off in a very orderly
manner. Flowers were contributed by the
citizens Of Gardiner in great profusion, and
every demand was met. The observance of
the day as it has been had in Gardiner and
this city, will tend to increase the. interest
each succeeding year.