Connecticut western news., 1885-06-03
MEMORIAL DA r.
IGNORING PATRIOTS WHO FOUGHT
 FOR THE UNION.

dt0rs Fought for PrimcfP1e---Our Liberties in Danger - Words of Warning.
 The decoration of patriot graves be- gan g years ago last Sabbath, during the battle of Fair Oaks, when the com rades of fallen officer covered the fresh-made mound with apple blossoms from the neighboring orchard. Behold how far that little candle throws its beams. Those devoted comrades build ed better than they knew. They laid the foundation of Memorial day and that foundation was laid in love, rever- ence and gratitude and will be abiding as the everlasting hills. Their beauti- ful example will be initiated until time shall be no more.
 The Grand Army of the Republic re- veres and cherishes the memory of ther fallen comrades. With rare fidelity they guard and care for their graves and an- nnally strew them with the choicest flowers. The Grand Army must de- crease and finally disappear, but the na- tion's gratitude will increase as the years roll on and every soldiers grave will continue to be regarded as sacred heritage. Each succeeding generation will honor the soldiers memory. rever- ence their graves and decorate them with earth's fairest flowers.
 Under the auspices of David S. Cowles Post No. 60 G. A. R. last Saturday was duly observed as Memorial day and the citizens of this town and Ashley Falls co-operated with the Post and vied with them in honoring the memory of the patriot dead. The exercises were very impressive and appropriate. At "A. NJ. the Post assembled in front of their hall and proceeded to the lower cemetery. Arriving there, Commander Atwood ad- dressed the Post. Chaplain Eddy offer ed prayer. The soldiers graves were decorated and the salutation given "Sa- lute the dead"
 Commander Atwood returned to East Canaan to superintend the decoration of the church, complete the arrangements for feeding the Post and arrange the de- tails of the exercises in the church.
 The Post, in command of s. V. C.. Schamerhorn, proceeded to Ashley Falls, Clayton and Canaan Valley in the order mentioned. The ceremony at each cemetery was similar to the exercises at the lower cemetery and at each of these three places large concourse of citi- zens were assembled at the cemetery and witnessed the ceremony and decora- tion. At Canaan Valley the children at- tending J. M. Roys' school were mar shalled in double file and each scholar carried flag and large bouquet. Alight- ing from their carriages the Post formed in double file and followed by the chil- dren and citizens they marched into the cemetery, halted and opened rauks while the childrel marched on until the ranks were f, UT abr a3', vest run standing beside each scholar, in which ordtr they visited the graves. deposited their fora offerings, and returning to their car riages proceeded to the green in front of Congregational church at East Canaan followed by the school children previ ously mentioned, also large number O. citizens.
 The Norfolk drum corps and delega ton from the Norfolk veteran associa tion, also citizens of Canaan and adjoin ing places were in waiting at East Can aan. Tables were spread on the greer and after partaking of inc refreshmentl so abundantly furnished by the latrioti, ladies procession was formed at 12.3t and proceed to East Canaan cemeter, in the following order:
 Norfolk Drum Corps.
 Guard of Honor.
 David s. Cowles Post.
 Norfolk Veteran Association.
 Children of Canaan Valley School.
 Children of East Canaan Schools.
 Citizens on Foot.
 Citizens in Carriages.
 Arriving a. the cemetery the ritual ser vices were conducted at the first gray visited and the long procession wounc around with slow and solemn tread t. the nine soldier graves on each of whicl profusion of flowers were strewn. A the last grave a salute. was fired and tn procession returned to the church ant every seat in the edifce, galleries no excepted, was quickly taken.
 The ladies had artistically decorated the chancel with wreath of flower and in front of the desk was placed large photograph of the lamented Col onel David s. Cowles.
 The Exercises.
 Commander Atwood read 8 portion 0 the G. A. R. ritual for Memorial day Adjutant B. s. Roberts read general or der No. 15 by Commander-in-C Chic Kountz, also Department Chaplain At woods circular. Commander Atwood then delivered an address of welcome The choir, consisting of Professor s. A Weaver, Dr Donaldson, William Law renee, Henry Beardsley and Levi F Bronso n, sang America, the congre gation joining with them. Rev. E. H Roys read selections from the scrip lures. Chaplain Eddy offered prayer 4 Professor Weaver sang Father, Bend to Thee" Commander Atwood made some patriotic remarks and introduced Rev K. F. Barlow, who delivered the oration, brief of which we publish.