Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-18
MEMORIAL DAY
At Soldiers Home. Togus, Ap-
propriateIy Observed.
Loving and Tender Hands Strew Gar
lands on the Soldiers Graves.
splendid 0ratisn in, Evening by Hon. Thomas
J. Gargan Of Boston.

: ToGUs, June II, 1s94.-(Special. y
Memorial day was very appropriately Oh
served at this place, Saturday. The order
OF exercises in the afternoon consisted of
the forming of the procession, under COM
mand of Adjutant T. C. Goodwin, headed
by the National Home band, B. w. Theme,
leader, as follows:
National Home Band, B. ". Theme, Leader.
Home Firing Party.
Cutler Post, No. 49, u. A. X, Vim. +. Burke,
Officers of the Home and Guests.
Non-commissoned Staff.
veterans members of the Home, under command
of Company Officers.
National Home Fire Department
The services at the cemetery began by
music by the Home band, and was followed
by prayer by Rev. j. 2. Nelligan, Catholic
chaplain, and next came the decoration of
the graves. The shower interfered to some
extent and many of the veterans were
drenched. The cemetery presented most
beautiful appearance, the grounds being
finely cared for, and when the graves were
bedecked with handsome flowers the scene
was exceptionally pleasing to the eye.
The procession reformed at the cemetery
and marched back to the Home and was
dismissed.
The closing exercises of the dav took
place in the opera house, at p. NJ, and
were according to the following:
prayer in the Chapel" Bailey
National Home Orchestra.
Anthem, "Hark to the Trumpet" Dudley Buck
Invocation. ~ e S't Kew. G. s. Cumming
Reading and Responsive Chant, Rev. r. NJ Plant
Prayer, Rev. +. +. Newbert
Response, Albion Quartet
Grafton, Hop. Thomas j. Gargan of Boston
Composed by Gen. Luther Stephenson
Patriotic Song, "Freedoms Land-America,'
Words by Gen: Luther Stephenson
To be sung by the entire audience, accompanied
by the National Home Orchestra.
Memories of Day in Camp in 1862"
Reeves. Arr. by Theme
Bcnediction.
The selections rendered by the Albion
Quartet of Boston, were exceptionally fine.
This quartet had given a concert at the
Opera house the evening previous which
was greatly appreciated and the singing
Saturday evening was one -the special
features of the services. The solo, ~"Vet-
Grams Dream" composed by Gen. Luther
Stephenson and rendered by Mr.. Bartlett,
leader of the quartet, was superb, a credit
to the composer and the vocalist.
The Home orchestra very finely rem
dered several choice selections, under the
skillful leadership of Prof. Theme, an
especially attractive piece being Memories
Of n Day in Camp in 1862" Reeves,
arranged by Theme.
The leading feature of the exercises was
the Grafton by Hon. Thomas J. Gargan Of
Boston. His well worded remarks were
greatly applauded by the old soldiers. He
gave a sketch of Americas history in a
romantic style, and dwelt Interestingly upon
the war, the various battles and the gen.
erals in command. He paid fitting trib-
ute to the renowned president, Abraham
Lincoln, which was received with great
applause. lie spoke in free and easy
manner, without notes, and his remarks
were so full of interest that when he closed
it seemed that he had but just begun.
Upon the platform were Gen. Stephen
son, who presided, those who were to take
part in the programme, and Major Nc
Guinness, Dr.. r. j. Martin and 7. J.
Lynch, Augusta, and the doctors and
officials of the Home. r
Togus, the most picturesque spot in Ken
nebec county, is now in its grandeur, the
trees in full foliage, the gardens abundant
with sweet smelling flowers and the shaded
avenues and walks in their prime. General
Stephenson's home, nestled among cluster
of shady trees, is charming place.