Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-14
DECORATION DAY AT roGUs.
The Soldiers Decorate the Graves of their
Fallen understanding Exercises.

| the Soldiers Home at Togus near this city, OBJ
served Saturday last as Memorial Day, and dec
grated with flowers the graves of the soldiers bur-
led in the Home cemetery. In the attending
services the other inmates of the Home also partic-
ipated.
A little past two o'clock in the afternoon, the
comrades of the Post, about one hundred in num-
Der, in uniform, with banner, were drawn up in
line in the square at the home. and another line
was formed q little beyond, of between two hun
dred and three hundred other veterans waving
over them the stars and stripes. Soldiers
unable to walk, were waiting in carriages. Every
thing was in true military trim; and indeed every
thing attending the services was executed with
military precision, and with the regularity of
clock-work; therefore there was no clashing or
dragging of any Of the details-thanks to the ex-
ecutive ability Of Gen. w. S. Titon, the Governor
of the Home, and the assistance Of his able and
genial Surgeon, DR.. "A. NJ. VIM.
AT quarter to three the procession was formed,
and marched to the beautiful cemetery grounds,
situated on rising plat short distance west of
the main building. Bringing up the rear of the
ex-sodiers, (who in their neat and clean uniforms
made fine appearanceD officers, orator, clergy
men, singers, &c, was a long line of carriages,
containing citizens Of Augusta. Ialowell, Gardi-
ner, and Chelsea, with ladies, who were glad to
show by their presence their high regard for the
soldiers and the institution whose benefactons
they merit and receive. The music for the pro-
cesson and also at the stand was furnished by the
Hallowel Cornet Band that did such excellent
service at the recent observance Of Memorial day
in this city. On this occasion they acquitted them
selves with equal credit. During the progress Of
the procession national salute was fred.
Careful attention had been given to the arrange
ments for the services in the cemetery. Little
flags waved at the heads of the graves of the fall
len, resting side by side and friendly hands had
already strewn them quite profusely with flowers.
A speakcrs's stand had been erected, covered with
canvass at the top, the sides filled in with evergreen
and the front draped with flags Tanks Of ice
water we're placed on different parts Of the ground
Seats were arranged for visitors on each side of
the stand. We should judge that thousand per-
sons were present on Saturday.
The exercises commenced with music by the
band, followed with a song entitled "An offering
of flowers to Thee we bring" sang by quartette
consisting Of Mr.. Chas. G. Hunt Of Augusta, Miss
Nellie Rowsll Of Hallowell, Miss Ida Springer and
Mr.. George Z. Weeks of Augusta. The soldiers
graves then received the rite of decoration.
"Pleyers' Hymn was performed by the band, and
fervent prayer offered by Rev. C. A. Curtis, pas
tor Of the Unitarian church in this city.
The Grafton was then pronounced by Maj. 2. NJ.
Fogler of this city, of which the following is an
abstract:
The speaker began by rcmarking that the hui
man soul instinctively honors and respects those
who lay down their lives for principle. No ma
ton ever sent forth body of men that possessed
more exalted types Of all that is brave and noble
in human character, than the [ MON army. Be-
cause they well as the cause for which they
fought, were worthy, we perpetuate their names
and memories. The tribute that we pay is q fee.
Bile one, at the best. Let 10 wanton foot tread
rudey over this hallowed ground, but let the rose
bloom, the willow droop, and the evergreen SYM
bolize for each one imperishable renown.
Memorial service has particular significance
at this time as we are approaching the centennial
of our nations birth. From own sad expert
ences in the recent conflict, we can measure some
thing of the sacrifice the courage and devotion of
the revolutionary fathers who erected the sanctu-
airy OF Freedom, and for eight long years defend
ed it with their lives, their fortunes and their
cred honors." We point with honest pride to
their heroism, their valor, and their high and re
solute daring. They molly dared to be free; and
on the eventful morning at Lexington the alarm
guns of liberty were heard, and the first great
chapter of American history was written in blood
The struggle was long and bloody, but victory,
glorious and lasting, came and America was free
from the hand of the oppressor.
After years Of peace the storm cloud lowered,
and again the country was baptized in BLOOD
This time the strife was an internal one, and for
that reason all the more terrible. We have been
successful in struggles with foreign powers, but
could we successfully withstand internal dissen-
sion The patriotic uprising was here depicted by
the orator in eloquent language-the march, the
battle, and the terrible scenes of cruel and reent
less war. Our countrymen fought with heroic ar
dor; but We should not forget those men from be-
yond the sea- our adopted ctizens-who fought
with us for the land of their adoption. They came
the compatriots of Mazzini and Garibaldi, from
the vine-clad hills OF Italy from the sweet wales of
the Tyrol came the brave Swiss. who breathed the
air Of liberty in the home Of William Tell the stur
dy German fought for the country that early en-
listed the energies Of Dekall and Steuben; the vi
vacious Frenchman true to the instincts of former
days, unfurled the banner that once waved over
Rochambeau and Lafayette from sad, dismem-
bered Poland came wistful exiles and fought for
the same flag under whose protection they first
took refuge from the hand of the oppressor; the
impusive Irishman, remembering efforts of his
countrymen to secure liberty, went forth among
the victorious legions of Meagher and Shields and
Sheridan; and the dark son Of the South, who
could see the hand of God ready to break his
chains and redeem him from bondage-he, too,
gave his best efforts to the of liberty Side
by side they stood with in solid phalanx, and
fought until the long, dark night of gloom had
passed and the morning OF victory dawned,
bringing joy and gladness to every loyal heart.
During the terrible struggle through which we
have passed we have not only defended and pre-
served the liberties of our country, but they have
been enlarged and strengthened, and the nation
has come forth not only restored, but regenerated
redeemed and purified. Heretofore it was free on
y in theory; but thank God, it stands to-day
built upon the foundations of eternal justice and
right. Freedom has been given to the oppressed
and the blessings of life liberty and the pursuit
of happiness" secured to all.
The fabric of liberty is complete. Let Us I'M
furl the Golden Banner from the highest tower
and there let it proudly wave in honor of these no.
BILE and self-sacrifcing souls who so proudly gave
their lives that the temple might be reared and
dedicated to Freedom, to Humanity, and to God
Let it wave the banner of universal brotherhood
Let it tell to the monarchs and despots of the old
World .hat free republic is safe in the hands of
free, intelligent people, and to the oppressed of
every nation and cline, to whom it has ever been
the beacon star of hope, let it proclaim that Lib
erty cannot die.
The address closed with an appeal to the soldiers
of the Home, and a.luson to the bcnefactions
of the government in providing literally for the