Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1873-06-04
COMMUNICATION.

Editor JmiGta Senttnel - Decora
ton day was observed by the citizens of
Perrysville and vicinity in becoming
manner. 1t seems fitting and appropri-
ate that Of all of the days set apart by
common consent, for national celebration
or observance, none has more signifi-
cant meaning attached 10 it than Decora-
ton Day In the rich, bright, joyous
days Of early spring we celebrate it.
when all natuse is bursting into life
The flower is significant of Immortality,
and placed upon the graves of the de-
parted ones. the signifcancy of the EN-
blem becomes more apparent, and it be-
comes token of love, and belief in the
coming of that day. when the battle of
life being over, all shall come forth in
obedience to the call of Him who is the
Resurrection and the Life
During the early part of the day the
people consregated at the school house
and prepared wreaths and boquets TO be
used in decorating the graves of those of
our Juniata soldiers who repose beneath
the soil of Church Hill Cemetery. At
2 P NJ. procession was formed under
the Marsbalship of Charles Emerson, the
,fs, al
aud headed by the Perrysville Cornet
Band, marched to the Cemetery, where
they were met by large number of the
citizens of Turbett township, who had
congregated there, to unite in paying this
annual tribute to our heroic dead. The
procession passed into the cemetery and
formed around large national hag, upon
which were placed the flowers to be used
in the ceremonies, the baud meanwhile
performing several national airs. The
flowers and garlands were then conse-
Grated 10 their intended use, by a feeling
prayer by Rev. Mr.. Whitney, after which
thered but pleasant duty of strewing
the flowers was performed. There were
about sixteen graves, upon each of which
was placed a small American flag. A
cross was erected in the centre of the
cemetery, upon which wreaths and bo
quets were placed to the memory of the
noble men from Juniata who fell in bat
tie. and whose bodies repose beneath
southern soil.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies
the people were called together by the
band playing the Red, White and
Blue" when Prof A. J. Patterson, being
called upon, delivered neat and appro-
pirate address, in which he eulogized the
deeds of our brave soldiers, who perished
in the late war, and reminded the people
of their duty to the living. His remarks
were we'll received by those present, and
will make for him many friends.
In the evening a meeting of soldiers
was held in the, school house. which was
by the election Of D. B. Alter
as President with Messrs. Beidler and
Smeigh as Vice Presidents, and j. L.
Turbett as Secretary. A platform was
constructed. on which was erected cam
paign tent, with a stack Of musketry in
front, the back ground being draped with
the national colors, the whole scene pre-
senting pleasing and lively appearance.
A short and patriotic address was deliv-
cred by Rev Mr.. Whitney, late Chaplain
of 19lst Pa. Vols, and he referred in
eloquent terms to the sacrifices made in
common by soldiers and people in defence
of our liberties. Remarks were also
made with the same general import, by
Maj. Thompson. Jacob Beidler and others,
after which the meeting adjourned.
Taking everything into consideration,
the whole affair was a complete success,
and reflects credit upon those participa-
ting. We hope this beautiful custom will
be perpetual, and that the flower and
garland will be annually laid upon the
graves of the heroic dead, and thus their
memory will be fondly cherished by an
people.
SOLDIER.