The Republican journal., 1899-05-04
Sons of Veterans Reception.

A. E. Clark, Sons of Veterans, held re-
ception last evening, Wed nesday, May Sd,
at Memorial Hall, to Col. Geo. E. Leighton of
Skowhegan. commanding officer of the Maine
Division, and Chaplain Fl. 1. Holt of Lincoln
Vile. Col. Leighton was classmate of Rev.
A. A. Smith of the Universalist church and is
Mr.. Smith s guest W hile in the city. Mr. Holt
is well-known here, having preached in
Morrill, few years ago, at which time he
was identified with the local camp and
often spoke before meetings of veterans and
the Sons.
The Belfast Band acted as escort march
ing from their hall on High street to the
Sons of Veterans Hall on Main street, where
they were joined by the Camp in uniform.
From thence they marched to the residence
OF Mr.. Smith on High street, where they
were joined by the guests of the evening,
and from thence to Memorial Hall.
The exercises at the hall were interspersed
with music by the Belfast Band
Mayor Clarence o. Poor gave a hearty
address of welcome, as follows:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: 1t gives me
Siedo i'ledSuit toHlSut 10 WelcOlnt TO our
city the Grand Commander of the Maine
Division of the Order of Sons of Veterans,
its Chaplain, and other visiting friends
An occasion of this kind awakens feelings
of patriotism, loyalty and love of country,
mingled with sadness for the loss of our
brave soldiers, who gave themselves for
service in the great war of 81
The present generation knows nothing of
the hard struggle save by history, but |
notice some veterans here tonight, MEM
bers of the Grand Army of the Republic
and the picture OF the great conflict must be
visibly before them in all its horror and dis
tress. The veterans are daily answering
the last roll cali, aud we count more and
more carefully those who remain.
The desire to be remembered after they
are gone, is one that is implanted in the
hearts of all men.
Dickens, that great portrayer of human
emotions, felt this, and in one of his most
effective scenes, makes the last words of a
noble character
keep my memory green.''
This sentiment the Sons of Veterans con-
tinually cherish, and its futilment is one of
the objects of their order. They associate
with it the desire to aid in caring for the dis
abled soldiers and to extend protection to
their widows and orphans.
The order is founded on the broad princi-
pies of Friendship Charity and Loyalty. To
me the last word loyalty is one of the strong
est in the English language loyalty to our
country, loyalty to our homes loyalty to our
friends, and to any cause in which we are
engaged. 1t develops true manhood and
makes a good record for all " no possess it
| will not occupy any more of your time,
however but in behalf Of our city again ex-
tend to all warm welcome.
Col. Leighton Iespondeded briefly and
feelingy to Mayor Poor's welcome.
The address of the avapi,,fr ,-ay !,
Chaplain Holt, and was an eloquent appeal
in behalf Of the Sons of Veterans, as the
order destined to keep alive the memories
of the veterans of the q. A. r. when the
latter shall have been finally mustered ont
from their earthly service.
Remarks Were also made by officers ana
members of tile Post, Relief Corps and
Ladies Aid Society and visiting Sons from
Linconville, Brooks and Monroe
After the exercises at the Memorial Hall
& lunch was served 10 -tt1e visitors at 5he
Sons of Veterans headquarters.