Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1890-06-06
MEMORIAL DAY IN MIDDLEBURY.

WAS nearly perfect, a cool north breeze
tempering the otherwise uncomfortably
warm rays of the sun, and the exercises
passed off without break, making it one
of the most successful observances held
here for some time.
The several organizations began to
form at their respective headquarters
early in the afternoon and, about 2 o.
clock, all marched to the town hall,
where well-arranged programme was
listened to, consisting of the order of the
day, read by Adj. Rich, response by Com
mander E. Z. Russell, music by mixed
Carrie Bond, DR.. Sheldon and Mr.. +. W.
Thomas, and several selections by the
Middlebury band. The speech was de-
livered by Col. Geo. L. Child of st. AL
bans, and was listened to attentively by
the large audience. The stage was pret-
tily decorated with flowers, and appro-
priately draped with the stars and stripes.
Upon two stacks of arms, in front of the
stage, the banner of Russell Post was
laid. Seated upon the platform were
Commander DR.. Russell. Marshal j. T..
Williamson, Adj. Rich, the speaker, Rev.
Messrs. Keith and Cambridge, and Prof.
Wager. yenty-four young girls dressed
in white, bearing flowers and represent
ing the seventeen regiments, one COM
pany of cavalry, three batteries and
three companies of sharpshooters furn.
ished by Vermont in the wal, were placed
in the rear of the platform. The front
portion of the hall was occupied by the
members of Russell Post, the Sons of
Veterans and the Ladies' Aid society.
After the opening prayer by Rev. Mr..
Cambridge, the speaker was appropriate
ly introduced by Commander Russell as
one who as private of the 9TH Massa-
chusetts volunteers had spent five
monthe in rebel prison and who now
had been honOred with the title of de-
partment commander. The speaker said,
among other things: Although this
story of patriotism with its lessons has
been told for twenty-five years, yet its
beauty and worth ever increase. Few
are present now of those who fought
then. Most of them are dead. Those
who survive are gray-haired those who
were but children then, now are grown
men. Though their strength is small,
yet their deeds are on record and show
us that they were loyal sons; and.
when they die, tenderly bear them
to their last resting-place. Let us
always remember the story of theiI
heroism. On our return all past per.
lis were forgotten; but to some there
was no return. TO them there was nc
triumph, but bitter loss, mourned by
their friends. No lesson is learned but
My bitterness and pain. Then the found
ALTON was laid in tears and blood, now il
Hs\slOwly softening and we thank Goo
they did not die in vain. This ceremony
is the most fitting thing we can do to re
we're the deeds of our fallen comrades by
decorating their graves, which ceremony
was commanded by no legislative power
but at the order of the commander of tn,
&. A. II. IA whole people gladly meet to
give honor. This order was established
because, after Lee surrendered at Apo
mattoX, in 1865, the army organization,
were dissolved, burdens of debt began tC
Cypress the people, and dissolution threat
ened. Men who endured together coulC
not stand idly by while their comrades
were suffering and destitute: so this or
der of the G.. A. II. was founded in 1866
1t is bound together by the ties of frater
nifty, charity and loyalty. 1t must b,
pleasant to all to have such an organiza
ton as an altar of loyalty, bound t,geth
er, not by partisanship, but by the com
mon objects for which our comrades died
If this is wrong, then are we all wrong
but we believe it to be right and will teacl
it to our children as '7G taught it to 81
Our mission is among the destitute anC
sorrowing, by the bedside of the sick anC
among the poor. This organization hal
been a blessing. We render thanks t.
true-hearted women who did so much il
that hour of need to cheer and comfor
us ana who were our most potent allies
in securing victory and softened anC
eased our pains of defeat. There is a sa
cred duty to you, citizens of MiddlebGry
You sent out the first regiment;-@ full
company, and the sacred duty devolvel
upon you of comforting the survivors II
their old age, and the benediction of tn,
soldier shall not be the least of all bless
ings.
After the address the benediction wa
pronounced by Rev. Mr.. Keith and tn,
procession marched to the cemeteries il
the following order: Marshals William
son and Commander Russell on horse
back, followed by the band, Sons of Vet
erans with reversed arms, Russell Post
carriage containing Rev. Messrs. Keitl
and Cambridge, Mr.. Child and Prof. va
gar; barge draped with stars and stripe