Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-16
MEDAL FOR PAST COMMANDER.
Reception by Lincoln Post, q. A. r.,
in Honor of Col. Bingham.

Lincoln Post, Department of the Potomac
G. A. R., acted as host last evening to a
large gathering of friends in Grand Army
Hall. The occasion was campfire and re-
ception in honor of Col. B. F. Bingham
past commander of the Department Of the
Potomac. G. A. R., who is a member of
Lincoln Post and one of it's honored past
commanders. The feature of the evening
was the presentation to Col Bingham Of
a past commanders badge; in massive gold
jeweled design, as token Of esteem from
the Department of the Potomac.
The hall was handsomely decorated with
the national colors, in bunting and flags.
and was crowded with the friends of the
Grand Army of the Republic. Capt. Wor-
den acted as officer Of the guard, and Capt.
Hazer as officer of the day. Capt. Osborn
H. Oldroyd, chairman Of the entertainment
committee Of Lincoln Post. presided.
Among those invited to the platform
were: Ivory g: Kimball. department
A. q. Il. G.: L. F. F. Randolph. in.
spector: J: Tyler Powell, chief of staff; Mrs.
the Potomac. w. R. c.. representing the
department president. Mrs. Rosamond B.
Meacham, who was called away by Illness:
Mrs. Matte E. Mcclure. department secre.
Mrs. Ida A. Oldroyd, counselor: Mrs. Isa-
bel Worren Ball. aid to the national presi-
dent, and Mrs. Jennie Raub, president of
Lincoln Corps. The officers of Lincoln Post
and Corps filled the officers stations. Capt.
John Walker. commander Of Lincoln Post,
who occupied seat upon the platform, was
surrounded by the officers Of the post, :.
w. McElderry, adjutant; E. J. bowling
Quartermaster: DR.. A. e. Johnson surgeon,
and several members of the post A SPLEEN
did stand Of colors. consisting of a large
silk post flag and two handsome silk
guidons, was presented to the post through
Capt OlfrOV6 and his
colors were borne by the color guard and
were promptly saluted and greeted with
rousing cheers. Capt. Walker accepted the
colors on behalf Of the post in which he
pledged the support of himself and the
members of the post to all that the flag
represented of patriotism and loyalty. The
presentation was pleasing surprise.
second surprise followed when Capt.
Oldroyd announced that the first number
en- the program would be song rally
Round the Flag" which would be sung by
organ which his committee had purchased
by means of special contributions for the
post. The song followed
Capt. Walker then called Col. B. +.
Bingham to the front OF the platform and
presented to him the magnificent tribute of
his comrades of the department. After
brief Introductory remarks Capt Walker
said:
TT is my pleasant and agreeable duty to
now present to you this testimonial from
your comrades Of the department, the
badge Of the Office. the duties of which you
SO well and faithfully performed. In after
years. and may they be many. when you
wear this badge. you will see also the cru
blem of the grand old 9Th Army Corps, and
in the sparkling rays OF the ruby, diamond
and sapphire. the red. white and blue, you
will recall the patriotic fervor which actu-
ated the brave and splendid soldiers of
your corps and regiment. You will see the
fve-pointed star. the badge Of the Grand
Army OF the Republic, and In each point
blazing diamond, pure as the steadfastness
Of purpose which sent you into the army
and later placed you at the head of this
great, organization. whose motto Is FRA
tefnfty Charity and Loyalty"
In his response Col. Bingham said that
while not unexpected. the tribute was aftor
all surprise to him. for 1t exceeded his
widest dreams Of the beauty that sach an
emblem might carry. In the course of his
remarks he sketched the reasons why men
hal gone into the war OF the rebeailon, ana