The record-union., 1896-05-28
THE GRAND ARMY LADIES.
How They Entertained the Veterans Last
Evening.
Annual Entertainment Given by
Edward Roby Circle. Ladies
of the G. A. B.

evening. The room was packed with
ladies and old veterans, the latter wear
ing their uniforms and occupying front
seats.
The Ladies of the Grand Army Of the
Republic were out to please, and they
had prepared programme which ap-
pealed to the old soldiers, in the shape
of war songs, addresses and recitations
recalling the years when they not only
wore the blue but carried guns upon
their shoulders, and many Of whom are
now bent under the burden Of years.
But if they were not just as young
as they used to be, they seemed to en-
joy themselves just as thoroughly as
ever, and all united in making the en-
tertainment success in every partfcu-
lar.
The entertainment opened by the
singing Of Mine Eyes Have Seen the
Glory" ETC., to the tune OF "John
Browns Body" in which the audi
ence joined, and this was followed by
few words from the Chaplain, Mrs.
Captain Paulk, who then lead the au-
dience in repeating the Lords Prayer.
Mrs. E. D. Shirland, Secretary OF the
circle, read the memorial letter from
headquarters, which was we'll received.
It was as follows:
Louisville (Ky), May 80. 1886.
Dear Sisters: Another year has rolled
by on it's wings and to-day lies buried
beneath the waves Of time. The goth
of May Is the day designated by the q.
A. r. to visit the city Of our silent dead
and strew flowers upon the graves Of
our noble comrades. Each year the
graves to be decorated become more
numerous and the procession Of the
grand old heroes, who went forth at
their countrys call to defend the Con-
stitution and our Union, become less in
number. Many who last year helped to
garland the tombs Of their cherished
dead have been during the year sum-
moned by the hand of death, and they
lie sweetly sleeping beneath the sod,
and flowers shall be strewn over their
last resting-place.
Dear sisters, let us deem it a great
privilege as well as duty to assist the
comrades in every way we can on this
our Memorial Day. Let us go on our
mission with deep solemnity, knowing
that we are decorating the graves of
our brave and noble men in love and
appreciation for what they did for us in
defense Of our homes, our f1resides and
our liberty. Let us ask that each
schoolhouse in the various cities and
towns throughout our country have
flag raised at half-mast on Memorial
Day. This will also be an object lesson
for the children.
Sisters, while we are paying respect
to our dead that have passed away, let
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helping hand to our heroes who may
need it and let us remember their loved
ones, the mothers, the wives, the sis
ters and daughters, who are left on the
ocean of life homeless. I would espe-
cially urge Department Presidents to
instruct their circles to interest the
children Of our public schools and en-
courage every effort that will more
vividly impress upon their minds the
full significance Of Memorial Day. Cir
cles where departments do not exist
will be governed by the same request.
Attention is called to the memorial
blanks accompanying this letter, where
in the duties Of circles are specified
regarding reports of Memorial Day OBJ
servance. Exercise promptness in re-
turning reports to proper officers. De-
pdTlHl6HI AudpldlIlS VIII De required 10
prepare reports and forward to Ma
tional Chaplain at an early date Circle
Chaplains, where no departments exist,
will send reports of Memorial Day ex-
ercises to National Secretary, who will
forward them to National Chaplain.
To US, the mothers. wives, sisters and
| daughters, along with army nurses,
Memorial Day is the saddest and each
beS c.
let US in our uncertainty draw closer
| together and to the sorrowing be a
tower Of strength, for our lips may be
the next to drink the bitter dregs.
| Beautiful banner in the soft winds OF May,
| Floating so proudly for Memorial Day.
| Never more kindly should the pure colors
wave
Theirs was the life-blood in deep sacrifice
shed.
| Brightly baptizing the luminous red.
| Theirs was the valor and invincible might
Keeping unsullied the most radiant white
! Millions on millions took the pledge to be
true
Glorious banner with the heavenly blue.
| Gratefully give we mid the nations success
| Tributes to our heroes who humanity have
| blessed.
Lovingly yours in F. c. and L.,
CATHERINE E. HIRST,
National President.
Then came feature of the evening,
when a half-dozen tots, none Of whom
were over 6 years old, marched into the
hall, headed by the smallest of them
all, who valiantly beat out march time
on his miniature drum. They ranged
themselves around an imaginary SOL
dier's grave, and while one of their
number sang an appropriate little song,
deposited their offering of flowers. They
were Nita Medley, Eddie Shick, Jennie
Liesch, Geordie Smith, Vesta Condor,
Willie Smith, Irene McKelvey and Err
nest Moon.
An instrumental solo was rendered
by Miss G.. Lothhammer, after which
Rev. A. c. Herrick delivered an address,
which was received with bursts of ap-
plause. Mr.. Herrick is a favorite with
both veterans and Ladies of the Grand
Army, and lost none Of his prestige
by his effort.
Miss Membrae sang a song appropri-
ate to the occasion, after which Mrs.
McKelvey rendered in good form re-
citation entitled "The Ensign Bearer"
a quartet, consisting of Mr.. and
Mrs. Dassonville, Mrs. Herrand and Mr..
Wiley, with Mrs. E. r. Hills as accom-
panist, very effectively rendered They
are Gone" after which kind words were
said to the ladies of the circle by Rev.
Mr. Banks, Colonel West and several
other veterans, and the entertainment