The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-20
COMRADES IN CAMP
Annual Reunion Begins With
a Patriotic Whoop
FINE MUSIC AND SPEECHES
Governor Stanley and Col.
Fink Will Speak Today.
FINE MUSIC AND SPEECHES

The annual reunion Of old soldiers, I'M
der the auspices of the Wichita Reunion
association, began yesterday in South
Riverside mark. South Riverside never
presented a prettier scene than it did
Yesterday. notwithstanding the many
great attractions that have been held I'M
der the broad branches Of the stately
trees. Old Glory waved from every tent,
and beautiful creations Of red, white and
blue were strung in front of the tents Of
the Woman's Relief Corps, Caroline
Harrison Circle and the presidents tent
The main pavilion, in which all of the
exercises are to be held, is stationed at
the west side of the park, and leading
down to 1t is a boulevard on either side
of which are stationed the numerous side
attractions of the big reunion. In the
center of the large tent are swung two
arc lights. The large platform is placed
at the east side, back Of which is strung
a large American flag. Sanford's Com
mercial band, which will furnish fine
music for the reunion, is stationed just
across from the platform on the west side
of the tent The tent will seat probably
5000 people and it was well filed yester-
day for the opening exercises Of the re-
union.
The opening Of the program Of exercises
was announced by a belch Of the big
brass cannon in Central Riverside
promptly at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Immediately after the report of the can
non, music struck up under the big tent
in South Riverside. The mandolin quar-
tette rendered a fine selection. Then San
ford's band played a patriotic medley.
Mrs. Addie Foose Homrighous was an
nounced by the president, and sang Star
Spangled Banner" in such a manner as
won the hearts of the patriots. Mrs
Homrighous' voice was clear and melodi-
Gus and was strong enough to be heard
throughout the large tent She was en-
cored and sang in splendid effect a most
appropriate song entitled Were Grow
ing Old Together, Boys" The words
were so tenderly enunciated that tears
were brought to the eyes of many of the
old soldiers. The words of the song are
as follows:
Were growing old together, boys,
Our heads are silvering fast;
Our race Of life will soon be run,
All cares will soon be passed.
-Four years we marched together, boys,
Thro' rough and stormy weather.
And thus We saved our nations flag
Now were growing old together
Yes, well do I remember, boys,
Those battle days long flown
When we together stood in line
Where leaden hail was thrown:
Those fighting days flew swiftly by.
The winter crossed the heather,
And our flag is just as dear today,
Tho were growing old together.
1t seems to me but yesterday
We stood with health and pride
In line Of duty as we marched
With comrades by our sides;
And solemn were the vows we made
And said we'd all endeavor
To guard OFT flag from traitors hand
While growing old together.
Our heads with age to gray have turned. |
Our cheeks have lost their glow,
And we are now old vets, dear boys,
Not lads of long ago.
And though our lives are waning fast.
our hearts we viii not sever.
but claim each comrade near and dear,
While growing old together.
Following this song President Burgess
announced City Attorney Helm. who |
spoke in behalf of Wichita words Of well |
come to the old boys The speech was
commented upon throughout the reunion |
grounds yesterday afternoon as being
classic and patriotic Mr.. Helm spoke as
follows:
Commander ond Soldiers OF the Grand |
Army of the Republic-Our honored |
mayor has kindly delegated to me the !
pleasing duty of extending to you on be-
half OF our beautiful city a cordial vel |
come within our gates
4 esteem it a high honor indeed n he |
privileged to stand in your presence and
greet you today. As I look into your |
venerable faces am reminded that these |
gatherings Of the veterans Of the war fo,. |
the preservation Of the nation will soon |
be no more. Eighteen hundred and six-
ty-one to lS65-more than third of a. CEN
fury has passed over your heads and ~,
new generation has stepped unop tho
worlds stage Of action since those cIori-
Gus days; happily YOU have been spared |
10 US from among the thousands Of vour
comrades who have answered the last |
roll call. 1t seems n long time indeed n |
us who arc barely old enough TO renan-
her the stirring scenes of that eventfuI
time. and longer and more distant stiu /
does Il seem 10 those who only know Tho
story from the history and traditions o..
those heroic years. But to You soldiers.
who we're the actors in that great and
terrible drama OF war. the scenes can
never grow old; the record Of Your .strur-
giles and your triumphs, your sufferinrs
and your victories were written on the
ilrst pages OF young and vigorous man
moods memory. and there the story will /
remain more fun and complete than any |
ever nut into book and picture so long
as one OF You remains above the sod
Never Will You tire Of telling It 10 each
other and 70 your children and your chill
dren's children; and why should vau not
tel II? 1t is 3 story Of loyalty never
doubted. Of patriotism that can never
De forgotten. Of glory that shall never
grow dim while the starry flag floats
over free people.
You meet here TO give and receive
comrades greeting, 10 recount again the
story Of the past TO teach again the les
sons Of loyalty and patriotism. TO remem-