The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-05-31
The observance of memorial day in Ravenna

The observance of memorial day in Ravenna
was one of the most beautiful demonstrations
ever made here in honor of the soldier dead.
| The day itself was almost ideal. Nature
seemed to smile benediction and to bestow her
blessing on the labor of love. Bright skies and
radiant sunshine. tempered with cool north
breeze, impaired an inspiration awakening a
response in every breast, and quickening the
noble sentiment born of the hallowed occasion.
The procession formed at the appointed hour,
and was, with one exception. the largest that
ever marched TO Maple Grove Cemetery. Pre-
ceded by the President, VIM. Grinnell, Officer
of the Day, w. S. Krake, and the Ravenna
City Band, it moved in splendid order.a column
fully one-half mile in length.
The following societies and organizations par
ticipated: Firing Squad, of members, under
command of Captain A. A. Farr; Buckeye
Division, No. 81, U. R. K. P. in full dress and
uniform, presenting magnificent appearance;
Court Ravenna, No. so13, A. o. F. of A; Flag
of Our Union Council, No. 16. Jr. o. U. A. M.
both in full dress Iona Lodge, No. 32eo, GU.
o. o. F., in full regalia; this Lodge is what is
known as the Colored Odd Fellows, and is the
first distnctvely colored society ever participat-
ing in the observance of Decoration Day; Da-
vid Mcintosh Post, No. 327. G. A. R.; David
Mcintosh w. R. c., No. 90. Then came the
teachers of the 2avenna Schools. under direc-
ton of Superintendent Merrill. This was to
many the most pleasing and interesting part of
the procession. Each pupil, from the High
School youth to the wee charges of the Primary,
carried from one to half dozen flags of innu-
merable sizes, --and the most of them had their
persons decorated with diminutive emblems of
the same kind. Each scholar also carried a
bouquet of flowers. They were followed by
the citizens on foot and in carriages.
Arriving at the cemetery, halt was made,
and the various Societies formed in two lines,
facing each other. Through the avenue thus
created the w. R. C. and school children passed
to the memorial cross just within the east bound
ary of the so called new part of the cemetery;
as they marched through the lines each organi-
cation stood with uncovered heads. Arriving
at the Cross. the various Societies were formed
in hollow square, in the center of which were
stationed the officers of the day, the orator, Rev.
Andrew Wilson, and Rev James A. Brown,
Rector of Grace Church.
The ceremonies were commenced by male
chorus of 16 voices, Tread Lightly Ger their
Graves" Rev. James A. Brown followed with
a prayer in which the Divine blessing was in
voked on the day and its work. The chorus
then sang e Cover Their Graves with Flowers" "
Rev. Andrew Wilson then delivered the ad-
dress. His central thought was the great cost
and sacrifices made by each generation for its
successor. Most of his hearers, he said, were
born since the great War of the Rebellion, and
this generation should appreciate the infinite
sacrifices and offerings made to enable it to
come into its rich inheritance: He stated that
800 600 graves were filed with loyal dead at the
close of the conflict, and that the number has
since been increased to over 10, 10000; that the
money cost of the war was upwards of $780,
5000, and that the sacrifices made in the
broken home circles and in the tears and sorrow
of the bereaved widows and orphans. no tongue
could ever tell: We shonld he said, mourn,
rejoice and honor; mourn over the loss of the
great host of patriot spirits whose memory is so
sacred, and over the folly and reckless iniquity
that precipitated the awful struggle; rejoice
over united country and the blessings so dear
ly purchased for US, and honor the memory of
the departed heroes: His address was able and
eloquent, and the subject matter interesting and
inspiring:
AT the conclusion of the address the chorus
sang Peacefully Sleep Meath the Roses and
Lilies
The address was followed by the decoration
of the Memorial Cross by the w C and as
sistants: This is in memory of the soldier dead,
sleeping either in unknown graves or whose si-
lent homes are marked in other places than
Maple Grove:
The pupils of Mrs Beckwitn's school then
sang, after which came the beautiful G A
Decoration service and the strewing of flowers
over the los graves, by the school children
uncer the direction of the Captains of the sew
eral divisions:
While preparations were being made for the
decoration of Memorial Cross, Capt Farr's
squad gave very creditable drill exhibition in
firing.
The ffowery kingdom was levied upon with
| unsparing hand and yielded up its treasures in
| endless variety and beauty. On each grave
/ was placed wreath and bouquet, in addition
| to the flowers strewn bv the children, The
scene was one to elevate the thought and quick
en- the sentiment of every lover of home and
native land. A fuller gratitude. better un
derstanding and more profound realization of
the sacrifices made and hardships endured
were born of this grand observance of Memo
| rial Day.