Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-05-31
DECORATION DAY.
THE EXERCISES LARGELY attended AND
THE DAY A pleasant ONE.

The weather Oh Wednesday was
beautiful and pleasant, bit not warm.
A great many people were in the city
from the surrounding towns and took
a part in the days doings Memorial
Day. is very popular aid becoming
more so as time passes, yet we believe
the business men of the COUNTRY ought
to lay aside their avocatiors on this dav
and show proper respectto the dead
who gave up their lives that we who
follow them might enjoy peace, liberty
and the pursu1to of happiness. This day
brings back to US the tender memories
of kind and affectionate father who
gave his life in defense of his country
to sustain and establish those privileges
which we are all permitted to enjoy.
We who have thus suffered probably
take more pleasure in observing the
day for 1t enters into our very life and
existence We honor this day, above
all others because it is the most fitting
way we can bestow kindly remem-
brance, in company with others who
mourn in q common sorrow, upon those
who have gone before. Placing flowers
on the graves Of the dead ought to be a
pleasure for everyone. especially to
those who have lost loved ones. May
memorial day continue to grow more
sacred in the hearts Of the people until
there shall be but one sentiment, one
common desire-and that united
people in the proper observance of this
day. Hasten the time when all men
shall learn that the accumulation Of
wealth is not the only object of life.
The procession was formed in front of
the G. A. r. hall at 10 o'clock a. N.
Little girls dressed in white represent
ing the states headed the procession,
followed by the Sons of Veterans,
Woman's Relief Corps, children from
the public schools, G. a. R. Veterans
and citizens on foot and in carriages.
At the cemetery the ritual service was
held over the grave OF conrad U. c.
st. Amour. The little girls, nearly all
of whom carried flowers, distributed
them upon the graves after which the
procession reformed and marched back
to the hall where they broke rank.
A Dinner was served during the noon
hour by the ladies of the w. r. c.
which was partaken of by about 500
people. 1t was an inviting spread
which was greatly relished after the
long march.
AT 2:30 in the afternoon the opera
house was crowded to listen to the
speeches and the nthnr aarrznha ON tho
program. Reverends VIM. Kilburne
and J. R. Fretts addressed this large
assembly in short but very interesting
speeches in keeping with the day and
surroundings. NJ. S. Pratt, Commander
Of Wood County Post No. %, presided
and with his assistants carried out the
usual ritual exercises of the order. The
glee club led by Miss Richardson sang
several old war songs which the people
are always glad to hear for they call
back memories of the past. The
"Cheney" quartette rendered a choice
selection to the delight Of the large
audience present. Miss Annie Boucher
delivered a recitation entitled "un-
known" in a faultless manner which
was heartily encored. She was
distinctly heard in all parts of the hall.
The entire exercises from beginning
to close were excellently rendered and
appreciated by the large concourse of
people who listened.