The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-06-01
SERVICES
Day ReverentIy Observed by Deni.
son People,
A NOTABLE ADDRESS.

A NOTABLE ADDRESS.
Delivered by w. a. McHenry Re.
spouse by r. Shaw van-Other
Exercises.
Memorial Day was observed in Deni-
son with a solemnity and reverence due
the character of the day. There was
nothing of the Fourth of July character
about the proceedings and the crowd in
the streets and at the cemetery seemed
to recognize that it was indeed holy
time.
A procession was formed, consisting
of the Grand Army, the Ladies' Relief
Corps, Sons of Veterans and large
number of citizens. Arriving at the
cemetery the exercises were held over
the centotaph which was covered with
beautiful floral decorations. The
graves of the old soldiers twenty one in
number, were decorated with flowers
and flags and nearly every grave in the
cemetery showed the evidences of low
ing remembrance. The exercises open
ed with music by one of the best quar-
tettes Denison has ever had composed
of Messrs. Leech, McHenry, Sibbert and
Gibson. A. G. Weeks, captain of the
Sons of Veterans, read the charge as
given in theu beautiful ritualistic work
prescribed for the occasion and Mr.. Fl.
V. Failor as chaplain of the camp offer
ed up the beautiful and inspiring
prayer for the dead. After the singing
of America Mr. W. A. McHenry gave
the address of the day which was lis
tened to with deep interest and appre-
citation by all present. We give Mr.
McHenry's address in full as it is fully
worth reading and the many who we're
unable to attend the services will be
glad of the opportunity to see it in
print. After the sprinkling of flowers
on the centotaph by the little girls, the
ritual of the w. R. G. to the unknown
dead" was given. This sentiment was
responded to by Mr. R. Shaw Van in a
brief but impressive and thoughtful
speech.
| Mr. Shaw Van spoke of the comfort
that it was to friends and loved ones to
be able to decorate and to cover with
tokens of love the resting places of their
dead. But there were many who lie in
unknown graves, many who died un.
known but still not unknown, for a
dearer love than human love is about
them for there is One who said that the
| sea should yield up its dead, that the
graves should be opened, that He woul6
call forth both the quick and the dead
that He had numbered the hairs of the
head and that not even sparrow fall!
unnoted by His eye. He has promised
that He would call us together whe1
this life is over and that at that tim,
not one among us all shall be unknown
Not a soldiers grave was left unre
membered and the procession returned
to the city with hearts filled with tn,
solemnity and sacredness of the occa
sion.
Mr.. McHenry's Address.
COMRADES Another year has come ane
gone since we last gathered for our pill
grimage, to this "City of Silence" AS W,
place on the ''low green tents" of our com
rades, the flowers and wreaths of remem
brance and affection, let us rejoice tina
the dark cloud of war which hung over u
SO threateningly at that time was quickl,
dispelled, and added new names to ou
list of fallen heroes. Each year our lock-
are whittier. and our steps more slow, bu
our hearts still respond with love and 10y
atty to Memorial Day Orders, and we wei
come the opportunity to again testify o
our devotion to the cause for which We
fought so steadfastly. and our remembrance
of the price that was paid for its achieve
ment. To again renew our allegiance t.
the principles of our Order, and in Fra
ternity, Charity and Loyalty give to those
who have gone before US their need O
praise, and to those who still remain with
US, our best exemplihcation of true com
radship-a helping hand and loving heart
The boys in blue are turning gray
Our ranks each year grow thinner:
We fought Deaths game full many day
But death today is the winner.
Then CLOSE ranks as the years roll on
And life's dim sun grows colder;
Face death to come, as death that's gone,
With shoulder firm to shoulder.
1t seems to me quite fitting. in this frs
year of a new century, that the Sons O
Veterans should take upon themselves. a.
an organization, the duties and RESPONSE
bilities of active preparation for the prope
observance of Memorial Day. AS the
members of the Grand Army fail in mum
bers and strength, this Order of Sons il
ready to take up the work. and carry for
ward with the enthusiasm of youth ane
vigor the plans and projects that have
made this national holiday Memorial
in which patriotism is taught by recount
ing the deeds of those whose lives were
given in defense of the principles which