Connecticut western news., 1893-06-01
THURSDAY, JUNE l, 1893.
MEMORIAL DAY, 1893.

MEMUkIAk UAIy IoS5l Tears, Flags and Flowers for the Dead; Kind Words, Music and Re- treatments for the Living.
 The weather last Tuesday was all that could be desired, and the very appro- priate program of exercises for Memo rial day was fully carried out, and in very impressive manner.
 Promptly at 7.SO a. m: D. s. Cowles post left their hall in Canaan and pro. ceeded to Ashley Falls where they were received by the residents, and then the school children strewed flowers on nine graves in the old cemetery and four graves in the new cemetery. Miss Olive Sackett and Miss Minta Bradford each recited Decoration Day poem. Con- mander Parsons thanked the children and ladies for their aid in carrying out this decoration.
 At Clayton kind friends with an abun- dance of flowers were waiting for the post. Quartermaster Adams thanked them for their consideration and help. Three graves were decorated here.
 Canaan Valley is noted for generosity on Memorial day. The citizens turned out we'll and furnished an abundance of flowers, and the post decorated the mounds. Adiutant Roberts, in behalf of the post, expressed thanks to all for cooperation. The steam whistle salute by Ezra Langdon was recognized by the post. Five graves were decorated here.
 At East Canaan 30 children with the teachers met the post with plenty of flowers. Mrs Henry Stevens prepared IA bouquets, one for each grave. The children marched with the post and as- sisted in strewing the flowers. At the close the school recited g poem, and sang song. Past Commander Briggs made appropriate remarks to the chil- dren, and thanked all for such timely assistance.
 At the lower cemetery many people, with 2 superabundance of flowers, were in waiting to receive the post. One hundred and eight large bouquets had been prepared for the eighteen soldier graves in this cemetery. The post formed in two lines at the grave oi General Hardenbergh, and Commander Parsons read the ritual service. The comrades then literally covered the grave with flowers. After decorating the other soldiers graves the post re. turned to their hall in the village.
 The Woman's Relief Corps had pre- pared bountiful dinner, and at 12.3( o'clock about forty veterans, the invited guests, and the Canaan Citizens band sat down to the two tables which ex tended the entire length of the hall Rev T. s. Bond offered prayer, and then the veterans talked over their army experience while enjoying the dinner Then half hour was allowed the Wo mans Relief Corps to dine while tht vets retired to enjoy cigar and have [ reunion.
 From 1.30 to 1.45 p. m. the Canaan Citizens band played in front of the G A. R. hall. Then a column wal formed and, led by the band, moved to the lawn in front of town hal where stood the cenotaph erected il honor of ssThe Unknown buried ol southern fields. The veterans formed hollow square around the cenotaph while the pupils of the higher depart mont of the school with their principa stood at one side just inside the lines and the Woman's Relief Corps stoo just outside the lines. The pupil gave recitation entitled "Sleep On and then they decorated the cenotaph Past Commander Killmer and Char lain Morse read the ritual service, an the post performed the ceremony "Ss lute the Dead" Adjutant Robert made very affecting address, explain ing the meaning of the cenotaph an "Unknown," and he read statistics i regard to the number of soldiers wh sleep in unknown graves in this coun try. Miss Katie Quinn played the orga while the pupils sang "Honor ye tn Martyrs who are sleeping to-day in thei graves for you"
 ExERUsEs AT TOWN HALL.
 The interior of the town hall was nicel decorated with flags and bunting, an with flowers and foliage plants. A the people were moving from the cene taph into the hall the band playe "Rock Hill Funeral March" and the ssThe Battle Cry of Freedom" Whe the stage curtain rose beautiful sigt was presented. Mrs J. M. Root ha arranged the school children on tn stage in pyramid form according f their height. Mrs Root accompanie them on the piano while they san ..Scatter the Flowers over the Soldier Graves" They then went through wit marching evolutions, gave recitation and then sang ssThe Red White an Blue" Adjutant Roberts read th