Rocky Ford enterprise., 1898-06-02
Decoration Day the Occasion Of
Great Patriotic Demonstration
In Rocky Ford.


The patriotism Of Rocky Ford was at
high water mark on Decoration Day.
Standing room only was the situation at
the NJ. E. church where the services
were held Monday morning. The pro.
gram was OF high grade throughout.
We have attended other Decoration Day
observances where ono superior Grafton
constituted the bulk Of the program, but
never before did we attend such II gather
ing where so many took part and where
every number on the program was most
excellent. One comrade explains the
earnestness and fervor OF much that was
said by the statement that those who
took part had passed through expert
ences which gave an intensity to their
words which could not fail to make u
vivid impression on all auditors.
The three patriotic orders were present
in uniform, the G. A. q. and S. OF v.
each carrying fine specimens OF the stars
and stripes.
After the reading OF general order No.
10 OF the Department Commander. the
salute to the dead soldiers WIS given.
This was followed by the singing OF
"America" and the invocation by Rev.
Mayo.
Miss Clara Webster in sweet manner
recited an appropriate poem.
COmrade Badger evidently felt the
deep interest IN the day which his words
expressed. 1t was not dny for tears
but for renewal OF allegiance to the
out victorious. In the present war sue
cess will come rs those who seek freedom
will Hurely attain it. He rejoiced greatly
that no sectional differences now divided
the nation, but from north and south all
were rallyiug around the hag.
Comrnde Whsliburn said TINT this was
not u day for jolity, but rather funeral
occasion. We members OF the Grand
Army only did our duty. We have no
fears OF the result OF the present conflict,
as the army and navy have never disap-
pointed the nation. This was n day for
reviving feelings Of friendship aud SYM
patty with those with whom we stood
shoulder to shoulder in defense OF the
flag.
Col. J. A. Lockhart most effectively
recited IA poem which treated Of IA sol
dier's life III most striking manner. Col.
Lockhart possesses elocutionary talent
OF high degree and made use OF it in II
way to elicit the most hearty applause.
Mrs. q. NJ. Hall sang ".ihe Red,
White and Blue" with spirit, the audi.
eiice joining in the chorus with enthusi-
asil.
J. b. Blackburn said that
the criticism that the troops now
organizing for Cuba's freedom were
mostly boys WIS not well founded, as the
regiments now being mustered in were
duplicates Of those which went south in
81. Every grave we decorate today is
M altar, and We honor ourselves in this
observance. He spoke Of the present
generation as enjoying the benefits Of a
struggle Of which they know nothing ex-
cept as they read history. The rapid de.
cadence OF the numbers OF the Grand
Army WIS noted and the comrades urged
to tte us true to heavens Captain as they
were to the flag in the sixties.
1. Dennes served four years during the
speaking lie offered Comrade Robins az
his substitute.
Comrade Robins enlisted 81 years ago
and WIS with the army OF the Potomac
for over four years. One OF the. lessons
OF the war was that the hand Of God was i
in history. The present war against op-
preston will be successful. The COM
rades were urged to accept the higher
and purer life and be ready for the last |.
mastering out.
Miss Fanny Wallace surprised the au-
dience with the excellence OF her Decora- |
tion Day recitation.
Capt. Blinn spoke on behalf OF the
Sons of Veterans. The present war for