The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-10-16

cheers of three thousand persons looking on.
James 5. Hinchman Camp Sons of Veterans
was the most attractive body in the process
sion, the martial bearing and sLowy uni
forms of the boys catching the eyes of every
body IS they passed along. After tbeline Of
march had been gone over the veterans
msssed in the upper square, where County
Superintendent J. NJ. Berkey delivered the
address of welcome. Mr.. Berkey spoke with
clearness and dis,inctness, his voice peneira-
ting the farthest corners Of the square.
WHIT ne SAID.
Members Of the Graad Army Of tie Reptlb
lc, CStizs,s Soidiers, Sons IF Veterans Frie..s,
Aa I'm behalf OF the people of Berlin,
bid you a cordial welcome TO our town.
These mountain breezes may seem to give
you rather cool greeting, but they simply
remind you that We keep on hand here
constant and unlimited supply OF good
mountain air-warranted strictly pure all
the year round, and especially fresh from
October to May. But let me assure you that
notwithstanding the cool northwind, your
reception by The citizens of Berlin shall BE-
just as cordial. and your stay with US to-day
be made just as pleasant, as loyal hearts and
willing hands can provide.
In honor Of your coming we have brought
from the mountain side the branches ever
green, as are the memories of your brave
deeds of valor and patriotism for you is
unfurled to-day the nations banner, that
same flag which you bore 50 proudly
in hundred battles, and although rent and
torn in the conflict, brought it home again,
unsiained, and without the loss of a single
star. For you has been prepared, by the
fair ladies Of our town. and is now waiting
somewhere, repast as rich and as varied, at
least, as that upon which you feasted on
your way to Richmond, or from Atlanta to
the Sea.
With the loyal people everywhere, We de-
light to honor the men who have so braveiy
defended the flag Of the Union as pros
porous people, secure in our quiet mountain
homes We hold in grateful remembrance
your prompt AND patriotic response to
Columbias call in the hour OF her peril in
the enjoyment of national peace and unity.
we shall never forget the sacrifices that were
made by the a Boys in Blue for the ma
tons welfare. And while we cannot fill
up your shattered ranks with the loved and
the lost; while we as nation can never com
pensate you for the sacrifices you made, yet
We do feel tha, we can never honor over
much the Grand Army Of the Republic. and
that we owe them debt Of gratitude which
at best can never be fully paid.
This is Reunion Day" Let il b. glad
reunion. Roll back the years that have
passed so quietly away since the cheering
news came to million anxious homes
"rhe war Is over and the Union is saved"
Roll back these years, and greet each other
again as the boys around the camp fires in
the sunny South Lose sight, if you can, Of
the silvered locks the bent forms, the slow,
unsteady steps, that mark many Of you in
the ranks to day, and live over again the
memories Of. those by-goue days when the
strength and the yigor Of young manhood
found enjoyment even in a soldiers life.
Fill up, if you will your doubly decima,ed
ranks with those who have been mustered
out" through all these years OF peace. Yes,
let it be indeed grand reunion day. bring
ing to you sunshine, enjoyment and pleas
ure; and TO US, new lessons Of patriotism,
friendship. and duty. May these Sons of
Veterans be justly proud of the name they
bear and the memories they perpetuate; and
may all Of Us who bave never seen a battle.
and f0ndly hoping we never shall. yet learn
from you, and from your grand reunion
days, what il Is to be true soldier in times
of peace.
But we greet you to day. not as soldiers.
but as citizens. 1t is almost twenty-five
years since you stood in line of battle and
faced southern foe almost a quarter Of
century since you laid aside warriors garb
TO take your place in the ranks of honorable
citizenship. Yet through all these years you
have been with US, and by US, ani for US.
leading in the affairs of state, directing the
industries OF our land, and cultivating the
arts of peace To-day one Of the Boys in
Blue rules the nation; to-day brave and
MANNED soldier governs this commonwealth.
To-day We remember how he who was to
have been one of our honored guests,
brought order cut of chaos in stricken
Johnssown, who came 70 that un fortunate
people in their honr of distress, with help
and hope and c1urage; to-day we recognize
II the orator for this occasion. not only the
honored Department Commander Of your
noble organization, but tried and efficient
officer OF our State government. To-day in
ali the avenues Of American labor and hfe,
may be found the nations heroes, quietly
developing the wonderful resources Of our
country, and enjoying the fruits of honest
toll in happy homes made secure by their
own loyalty. Yes, this nation has long ago
learned, and rightly, too, that the men who
could be trusted as warriors in the field Of
battle. to defend the Union and the flag, can
be trusted as well to direct the saipof state,
and to perform the duties Of honorable citi-
zenshipin times OF peace.
In grateful recognition, therefore, OF your
noble service as soldiers, and your ster-
ling worth as citizens. we extend to you the
free hospitality of our mountain town. and
the cheerful, willing service OF the people
you have this day honored by your presence.
Again We ssy, rsieome u al.
COMRADES AT DIxEKR
Al the conclusion Of Prof Berkey's adj
dress the line reformed and marched to the
orchard, back Of the Philson banking house,
where the dinner prepared by the good ladies
of Berlin had been spread. We don't know