The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-04-24
THE REGIMENTS COLORS.
An Inspiring Scene at the PTGSenta-
ton on Parade.

sponse-The Flags First Salute.
Crowds witness the Presentation
Ceremony.
The presentation of the stand Of ma
ton colors TO the First Volunteer Regi-
ment al the parade ground yesterday af-
ternoon was pretty and interesting GER
emony. The ceremony was witnessed by
several hundred people. The flag was
presented by Col Charles n. Olmstead,
the former commander of the regiment,
and was received by Col. c. a. Mercer,
the present commander.
The companies of the regiment met al
the armory on Abercorn street, and
shortly thereafter marched TO the parade
ground. where the regiment was formed
by Adjt. Gaiuard. At the command of
right and left companies, right and left
turn" by Col. Mercer, these companies
came up at right angles to the line, form
ing three sides Of a square. The new flag
was then unfolded and handed to Col.
Olmstead. who advanced and took posi-
ton in front of the line facing Col. Mer-
GER He supported the flag with his left
hand.
COL. oLMsTEAD's SPEECH.
Col Olmstead said
"Col. Mercer and Fellow Soldiers of the
First Volunteer Regiment of Georgia-My
Comrades and Friends: 1t was with IN
feigned qualification that l accepted the
duty imposed upon me by the state of
presenting YOU with stand of cOlOrs in
token of the confidence imposed in your
loyalty and devotion, constancy and
patriotism. Who that is acquainted with
the ties that bound me to this
command in past years can doubt
the pride with which | participate
in this occasion. My own youth
-- comes hack. as View the.. ranks Of
young and stalwart men. There are vet
Grams in your ranks who have shared
with me the hardships of actual warfare.
AS l dwell upon the eventful past memo
ries of comrades who followed with me
the old colors arise. Fort Pulaski, Nor
ris Island, kennesaw mountain, the hills
around Atlanta, Hood s bitter campaign
north of the Tennessee river, and the
last bloody charge at Bent0nville. Know
ing the history of the First Georgia
Regiment as no other man does
! can present this flag to you with the
proud confidence that you will guard il
with fidelity and honor. Over thirty
years ago, on this very ground, | received
in behalf of this regiment flag made
from the wedding dress of fair lady,
and presented by gallant soldier. We
were then about to march away to North
Georgia to Join the army of Johnston, and
do battle against the very flag which
now present YOU"
THE SOLDIERS SUPPORT.
Colonel Olmstead dwelt upon the senti-
ment with which soldiers invest their
coors, and which makes them ready Ia
die to prevent their loss The flag, he
said. was the embodiment 10 the soldier
of country, home and family, of patriot
ism and religion. Several instances from
ancient and modern history were recited,
showing to what deeds soldiers can be
melted by danger to their flag Two
members Of the First Georgia regiment
fell in one battle he said in defense of the
colors of the regiment and a third fell in
a second battle.
Referring to the flag which he held in
his hand, Col. Olmstead said that it was
representative of union of co-equal
states, no longer divisible, but now indi-
visible and inseparable.
RIGHT TO BE PROUD.
"Georgians, :" said he, 'have good right
to be proud of this flag. 1t is the emblem
OF the history of our proud state, so dear
TO our hearts, of the city which Ogle
thorpe founded, our home. 1t is the EN-
blem of law, order and religion, of free
and enlightened civilization and a man
hood which bows the knee to God alone .
Col. Olmstead said the flag would
serve to build up spirit of esprit du
corps, and to bind the companies of the
regiment in more harmonious whole. IL
was recognition, he said, of the regi
ment by the state, and represented an
honor and a trust reposed in it.
Take this standard, he said, land il
the emergency shall ever arise it will
frsaasa hoo tod
members of the First Georgia Regiment
COL. MERcER's RESPONSE.
Col. Mercer received the standard. anf
when the applause which followed Col
Olmstead's address had ceased, he said
"Col. Olmstead, it affords me great pleas
ure as colonel of this regiment to receive
from its former colonel and a most re
spected citizen this stand of coors | re
ceive it in the generous and loyal spiri
in which it was presented. The people O
the south never opposed this flag, but the
spirit of the people who used it
as we believed, for purposes of oppres
sion. 1t is the flag of our fathers which
the people of Georgia are entitled to low
and revere. If troublOus times SHOULD
ever GENE the brave soldiers who aecep
it will bear ii untarnished and viii
proud and manly courage will bear it +
the front"
'To THE CoLoRs."
The command 'Present arms" wa
given and Color Sergt. Workman ad
yanced and received the colors from Col
Mercer. As he did so the bugles sounde
ITO the Colors."
Sergt Workman returned to the ranks
bearing the colors and the band paye,
The Star Spangled Banner,n followed
by Dixie"
Col Mercer then turned the regimen
over to Lieut.. Col Reilly, who proceede
with the dress parade, after the compile
ton of which there was short battalio
drill.
The First regiment has possessed
United States flag fer several years. bu
the new flag is much handsomer than tn
old one and will be used hereafter o
parades. The Guards have also carrie
United States flag for three wear.
which was presented to them by tn
members of the ladies' auxiliary of tn
corps.
GONE TO SEE FLORIDA.