The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-06-02
MEMORIAL DAY.

This day has acquired place among
the nations most cherished anniver-
saries and its sacred memories, its pa
thetic duties, its beautiful memorial SER
vices, and its object lessons of patriot
ism will lncease in value and become
more hallOwed as the years roll by. The
services commemorative of this occasion
were general in Vermont. Bennington
was no exception to the rule. Custer
and Sixth Corps Posts fittingly observed
the day. We quote some sentiments
from the Vermont Historian of the G.
A. r. He says: "As the great conflict
which made this Memorial day possible
recedes into the past visible signs of the
devastating struggle pass away and the
hand of nature covers even its battlefields
with verdure and bloom. This is but
the outward token of the changes which
are taking place in the hearts of the peo-
Pile. The bitterness which long tinged
the memories of the war is losing its in
tensity. Even the veterans who passed
through the most terrible experiences
and received the most inhuman treat
ment have become able to tell the story
of the war in calm tones and with a
steady voice. They do not excuse a sim
gle act of rebellion, but over the deeds
of those who fought for section in
stead of the whole country they cast the
mantle of charity.
when Americans of new generation
look upon the picture of the war they
catch but glimpse of its original out
lines. Time has changed and mellowed
the coloring. The ugly features haYe
become softened and subdued. The
dark and heavy scenes have lost their
meaning to a considerable extent for
those who must consult the handbook of
history to learn about what is portrayed.
Those who are too young to remember
incidents connected with the war can
from the very facts in the case have a
very inadequate conception of the sacri-
fees, the privations, the struggles and
the sufferings of those who helped to
crush the rebellion. But for the patrio-
tic heart which has thoroughly learned
to love its country it is enough TO know
that the Union was assailed and that our
soldiers fought manfully in its defence.
This entities the veterans to the undying
gratitude of the people of our country
and to the honor and love of generations
yet unborn"
The morning was devoted to decora-
ton exercises at the Centre and Village
cemeteries. Headed by the City band
Custer Post proceeded to Bennington
Centre and performed the Memorial rit-
ual. At the same time Sixth Corps
Post, headed by the Drum Corps,
marched to the Village Cemetery and
performed a like duty.
In the afternoon procession was
formed, consisting of the Bennington
City band, Bennington rifles, Custer
Post, Sixth Corps Post and Relief Corps,
followed by invited guests, disabled vet
Grams, clergymen and the orator and
president of the day in carriages. The
line moved to the cemetery at the YER
mont Soldiers Home, and at the close of
the memorial service by the Posts, the
Grafton and other exercises were held at
the Chapel. VIM. II. Cook was tittingly
introduced by Arthur j. Dewey, presi-
dent of the day, after prayer, by the Rev.
NJ. L. Severance. Mr.. Cooks Grafton
was patriotic and his local references to
the scenes of 81, when Co., A, Second
Vermont regiment, went to the front,
and also its return with decimated ranks,
were very interesting to Bennington peo-
pie. His illusions to events of later
date in which other Bennington and
Bennington county veterans participated,
were also attentively listened to, and
touched tender chord in the hearts of
his large audience. At the close of the
exercises the organizations went to North
Bennington to assist in the services
there, but heavy rain drove all under
shelter and the ceremonies were omitted.
The troll of honor contains the names
of 1876 veterans buried in the several
| cemeteries of this town.