Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1896-06-02

EkSS[.I5I NS1AA court, an q
II moved east to
State, north to
VSN(S .e3u Water, west to
M chan c,
~ south to
Broadway, and west to Updegraff7s
grove, where the exercises of the day
were held, consisting of the following
program:
Music by Decorah City Band.
Reading Memorial Orders by L. L. Couse.
Music by Male Quartette.
g. A. r. Exercises.
Calling roll ofDead, by Capt. E. 1. weiser.
Salute to the Dead.
Music by becorah CITY Band.
Benediction by Rev. H. H. Green.
At the close Of the exercises at the
grove detachment decorated the SOL
diers' graves and then the old soldiers,
members of Woman's Relief Corps and
Sons of Veterans, with their families,
swsnt TO Cosnn1an1er Gadwelps ROD
dence In south Decorah, where dinner
was served by the ladies of the w. r.
c., and where the greater part of the
afternoon was spent in relating tales of
war times.
The day closed and the veterans and
visitors from abroad returned to their
homes with the feeling that another
day had been spent in loving remem-
brance of the old soldier, and that as
long as time shall last, America will
celebrate this most beautiful and I'M
pressive Of all holidays-Memorial Day.
The address of Rev. Wilson at the
grove was one long to be remembered
by those who heard it, and believing
that there were many who would have
enjoyed listening, but were unable to
be present, we publish it in full:
Mr.. Chairman, Officer Of the Day,
Comrades and members OF the Col.
Hughes Post, Grand Army of the Re
public, members of the WOmnn's Re
lief Corps and Of the Capt. Gardner
Camp, Sons Of Veterans:
I am facing crowd of people who
are classified in various relations to
the exercises of this day: the
children of our public schools;
the students of our local colleges; the
DecOrah Fire Department; the bands
of musicians who fill the air with in
spring harmOnies, together with all
citizens Of DecOrah ON foot or wheel
and the visitors from abroad. We give
you all hearty American welcome
and 2 patriotic greeting, and If 1t be
possible that anything In human form
Is present not named in this enumer-
alton we want it distinctly understood
that whoever is in harmony with the
sentiments of the day has equal recOg-
milton here under the common flag,
and yet again would bring you to q
solemn hush If the spirits of the noble
departed whose valOr and sacrifice we
commemorate today are with us as q
cloud Of witnesses, to silently view our
works, and read our thoughts, we
watt them grateful recognition.
When was informed by those hav-
ing In charge the arrangements for this
day that / had been chosen as your
speaker, felt then as do now, the
honor of the appointment, but since i
have faced the proposition Of framing
q deliverance that would be fitting
tribute to the memory Of the fallen SOL
dier, and yet to recognize the changes
of feeling and sentiment, and the new
er issues that are the inevitable result
Of the passing years, and our altered
conditions, have been made to realize
that there Is no honor to be had with
out grave responsibilities. I would
not seek to be relieved from those re-
spOnsibilities for 1t would seem especial
~ fitting that those who, in view oil
their tender years, were not permitted
to fight with you the battles of the
nation, should In these times Of peace
be willing to speak to your honor and
gratefully acknowledge your sacrifice
and achievements.
Ifyou were willing to face an enemy
at the risk Of life during four years OF
bitter strife, 1t should not be an un-
welcome task to face this peaceful and
friendly audience to speak IN srecog-
milton of that service. For there are
no hazards to life or limb In this per-