The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1891-06-05
MEMORIAL DAY.

More interest than usual was taken In
| memorial services at Corvallis this year,
and the day was appropriately devoted to
the duties we owe those who fought and
died for and their country. The day
was all that could have been asked, being
bright and sunny, and many people were in
in from the surrounding country and took
part in the exercises.
Preparations had been perfected by the
G. A. r. Post of this city and the Woman's
Relief Corps and at 2 p. m. the procession
began TO form in front of Farra's block. It
was headed by our Marine Band who ap-
peared in their uniforms, white leggings
and red -tasseled white hats, T. HI. Dupuy
! acting as marshal. Following the band
were the college cadets, the old soldiers,
the kindergarten and public school children
and then theWomen's Relief Corps and
long line of carriages. The procession
under the command of Adjutant F, NJ.
Johnson was fine and imposing one, and
reflected much credit on the committee
of arrangements who had wisely and care
| fully planned every detail, To the solemn
music of the dead march the long line
move slowly to the cemetery when the
| usual G. A. r. exercises occurred under
the directions of Commandant Kemp. An
| excellent choir led by Mrs. F. M. johnson
| rendered some very choice selections and
an able address was delivered by visiting
| Comrade, Rev. T. c. Henderson, of Pendle-
| 6
the exercises were the songs and recitations
of the little kindergarten children who did
their parts admirably. The graves of the
soldiers were decorated with profusion of
flowers, and many there were who took
occasion to decorate the graves of the dear
ones gone with the choicest garlands of
their love and remembrance. Several
beautiful pieces including cross, shield,
pillow and flag, star and e. A. R, emblems
were prepared by the teachers and pupils of
our public schools and placed on the graves
of the fallen heroes Each state and terri
tory was represented by one of the school
children, who each depositing flowers on
the grave repeated verse of four lines
| 5ulGdUlC W GuO OCCaolOh aiItt oCO"Su w W
very much appreciated by those present.
One by one the veterans are falling out OF
the ranks and areibeing mustered on Fame s
eternal camping ground" This beautiful
custom Of strewing flowers on the graves OF
the nations dead was instituted by that
typical American volunteer soldier, John A.
Logan. 1t has grown in the affections OF
the people until now nearly every one, at
least once year cleans up and beau titles
the last resting place of loved ones lying III
their palaces of rest How very appropri
ate that our children should take part il
these sacred and solemn duties and early
learn the lessons of patriotism and devotion
to the aag that floats over our beloved land
thus learning to keep step to the music o
the union and take laudable pride in erect
ing the sturdy pillars of state upon the
blood -cemented foundati on laid by our fore
fathers and preserved by the veterans O
'6l and '65, Let no one think these be idl
ceremonies that call the mu ltitudes to on
cemeteries On memorial day each year
Let us tread gently on the soil that contains
the dust of our nations heroes. Strev
springs choicest blossoms on their grass,
mounds. feeling certain that when the las
bugle call sounds Taps" for us our grave
annually will be visited and decorated witt
springs brightest flowers and our name
kept alive in the hearts of generations t.
come in the observance of this beau tifu
custom.