Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-01
citizens generally, and headed by the Halo

citizens generally, and headed by the Halo
well Cornet Band marched to the cemetery,
where exercises appropriate to the occasion
were observed. Order was called at ten
o'clock by the Chief Marshal, Capt. John S.
Snow; ard after music by the band and an ap-
propriate prayer by Rev. Mr.. Jaques, the
President of the day, Mayor P. F. Sanborn,
| addressed the assembly in eloquent words of
patriotic significance. He was followed by
brief and pointed remarks from Rev. A. Il.
Crane, Rev. c. b. Peckham, Rev. z. Jaques.
Rev. C. G. McCully, Major Z. Rowell, j. De
Wolf Smith, Esq, and William Wilson, Esq.
The whole assembly then joined in singing
america" with band accompaniment, when
the services closed with benedicton pro-
nounced by Rev. c. b. Peckham. The pro-
cesson then reformed and marched to city
hall, where ranks were broken. Every thing
passed off to the satisfaction of all and con.
sidering the short time devoted to prepara-
ton, the occasion was one of rare interest
The grounds in the cemetery, under the faith
full watch care of Col. Haines, never looked
more attractive and beautiful while nature
seemed to conspire with art to render this
touching memorial service unusually attrac-
tive and profitable in keeping fresh in mind
sacred memories of past sacrifices and dear
ly bought victories. May the annual return
of this sacred memorial day ever serve to
strengthen and confirm in our own hearts
that pure and holy patriotism for which our
brothers distinguished themselves whose vir-
tues a re united nation delights to honor
At Gardiner,
The observance ofthe day was commenced at
sunrise by firing salute, which was continued
at intervals of half an hour through the day.
The procession moved from johnson Hall
70 Dab in, F.l H.
der Hallowell Band, Heath Post G. A. r.,
orator in carriage, Chief Engineer and assis-
tants, sWashngton Fire Company, 40 men,
carriage containing band of Military Asylum,
members of Cutler Post, under command of
Col. Hall; Tiger Engine Company, Hallowell,
40 men; Torrent Engine Company, Hallow.
ell, 40 men; Fire-King Engine Co., Gardiner,
20 men. The procession moved from John
son Hall to Oak Grove Cemetery, where the
graves were appropriately decorated. 1t was
a noticeable feature in the celebration that
very little intoxication was observed.
The flags on the Common, City Hall, G. A.
r. Headquarters, Evans Hotel. and many
private buildings, were at half mast.
One of the most beautiful tributes to the il
lustrious dead was at Haley's Dry Goods Store.
The whole window was draped in black and
white Grape and flowers, in the centre of which
was an imitation of large monument in
white, surrounded by white and black Grape
wreaths of flowers and evergreens; at the top
of this was the following inscription
Let us guard the sacred DUST
Then followed the names of the soldiers whose
dust reposes in the grave-yards in Gardiner,
followed by the following inscription at the
base
" Let the kindest memories hallow the lives
of these gallant men, who offered them
selves sacrifice upon the altar of their
country. We cannot realize the pr-
vations and sutierings they endured
and the cherries deaths that
most of them met, deprived of
the comforts of home and the
society and soothing care
ofthose they held dearer
than life"