Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-02-10
THE GERMAN SOLDIERS
CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST ANNIVERSARY AT
BEETHOVEN HALL LAST NIGHT.
Lieut. Braunersreuther, of the o, S. N. Formally
Presents the Beautiful Flag-RemarkS BY
Hon. Augustus POllack-A Joyous
Social Follows.

There was joyous gathering at Bee
thoven Hall last night, in which there
was lively exchange Of war reminis-
cences, a sympathetic throbbing OF
hearts, and a hearty social interchange,
in which comrades shook the hands OF
comrades.
1t was the occasion OF the first ami
versary of the German G. A. R., an or
ganization that has had remarkable
growth in the short time in which 1t
has been organized The German G. A.
r. was organized February 18th, 1892,
and started out with six members.
There are now enrolled within its ranks
thirty-SeVen staunch members, and
nearly all were represented at the gath
ering last night. Orchestral music was
furnished for the occasion, and as many
of the wives, sons and daughters OF the
Veterans were present, there was con-
siderable dancing, and most joyous
time was had.
One of the chief events of the eve
ming, however, was the presentation to
the Post of a handsome new flag, one OF
the most beautiful banners in we city.
The members had been striving for it
for some time. and last night much in
terest conferred around the formal pre-
sentatlon.
The meeting was called to order by
The Commander of the Post, Louis p.
Salterbach, who also organized and
created the Post. Before the pre-
sentation took place the soldiers
were drawn up in lines IN front Of the
stage, after which Commander Salter-
bach delivered graceful opening ad-
dress.
The handsome banner was then
brought forth, and Lieut.. Brauners-
reuther, of the u. S. n, being intro
duced delivered the following speech:
LIEUT.. BRAUNERsREUTHER's REMARKS.
''MR. CHAIRMAN, LADIES, GENTLEMEN,
UND MITGLIEDR DIS Observation-Disclosures
IsCHE VETERANEN VEREINS Permit me
TO thank YOU for the honor conferred in be-
ing selected TO present TO you this beautiful
flag This additional kindness while in
your midst and while temporarily removed
from the field of active operations, is here
with very gratefully acknowledged.
In this assemblage, l am, as no doubt its
mem bers are, inspired with the feeling that
peace hath her victories no less renowned
than war"
on an occasion like this, the emotions
rise naturally TO the highest patriotic
plane, and additionally impressed by the
eager, bronZed, manly and determined
countenances OF the assembled veterans
before me this evening, the issue OF their
e. lnr rTif mo-
toned.
The causes of the many victories, with
which history credits these veterans, |
can still read in their faces, this evening;
as l estimate the gratitude of the Father
land, to the defense Of which their services
were enlisted: and, trust, that the coun-
try and the flag are equally honored by an
organization of such battle SCARED veter-
ans, as foreign citizenship is, by its adop-
tion of the United States.
While | am aware of the fact, that some
of you, perhaps all may have fought IN
days gone by under other colors, DO as
sert that you have neUer stood under flag
which so Loyalty defends human liberty as
the beautiful banner at my side, the stars
and stripes of the American Union. II is
the flag of the first permanent most pros
porous, freest and grandest OF all Repub-
lies. IL is the flag of our country and OF
the land Of your adoption.
Under this flag $4,000 of your native
countrymen, less than thirty years ago,
covered themselves with glory, 1t is the
flag, my friends, which challenges and re-
ceivesNtO-ddg the homage and respect OF the
civilized world, on both the land and the
sea. 1t is the flag, my friends, under which
your countrymen have celebrated dis
tinguished triumphs, In the land of their
adoption, and it is the flag which permits
you TO crown your aspirations in the land
of freedom with triumphant success.
May / add, in conclusion, that esteem
the sentiments, which have actuated you
in the formation of this organization, as
already presented here this evening among
the 0rGndeSt and noblcst that spring from
the human heart, and their embodiment in
Yottr organization buC adds new lustre TO
the distinction of the past, worthy as they
are OF the Gods themselves, they contrib
ute to the peace and security OF every home
in our glorious land.
Permit me, to now deliver this beautiful
and sacred emblem of the American Union,
and | need not indicate TO you the recipi-
ents. what disposition TO make of it. 1 feel,
that as veterans and American citizens,
YOUR obligations Of the future are guaran-
teed by your actions of the past; and that
your association with this flag will thor
oughly vindicate your devotion to the
Land of the free, and the home of the
brave"
At the conclusion Of the Lieutenant's
remarks he was greeted with rounds OF
applause, and was followed by Hon.
Augustus Pollock, who delivered an
eloquent and telling address.
The occasion then resolved itself into
a general social, which continued for
Sc veral hours.