Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-06-09
Memorial Exercises.

Although the people OF Pittsfeld were
one day behind neigh boring towns in the
observance of Memorial day-on account
OF previous engagement OF the speaker
for Nonday-all present were unanimous
in declaring that they were not "behind'
in the excellence OF the exercises.
At 10 a. m. the procession formed in the
park. The children bearing the floral
/ tributes came Erst, the veterans, including
two visiting posts, came next, followed by
citizens and visitors. The procession, led
! by the Rochester drum corps, marched to
the cemetery, where the impressive ritual
service Of the G.. A. r. was conducted.
The flowers were placed on the graves OF
the veterans by the children. One feature
Of the exercises was the roll call OF the fall
len comrades.
Returning to the park, where a large
platform had been erected and decorated
for the occasion, recitatlons, songs and
dialogues were rendered by the children OF
the various schools in a manner doing
great credit to themselves and teachers.
Word was then given for those who so de-
sired to adjourn to the chapel, where the
ladies we're ready to supply the needs OF
the sinner man, FOrty-five veterans and
over seventy other people were served.
The zest with which the veterans attacked
" hat was before them, reminded one OF
the many stories which have tioated back
from the southern plantations.
At p. m. large company gathered IN
the park where, after a selection by the
choir, and prayer bv Rev. w. N. Roberts,
the speaker Of the day, Col. G. II. Joyce of
Rutland, was introduced by w. II. Breed.
The fervid eloquence OF the speaker and
the sterling character OF the Grafton, upon
the theme-''Why We Observe Memorial
Day'i-made il one OF the most interesting
addresses ever listened to in Pittsheld.
{ ~ gFtF he na
which Vermont took IN the great strug-
gle. Over one-half Of the enrolled men OF
the state entered service. A very high
tribute was paid TO the Vermont boys on
the field The speaker had heard only one
thing against them land that he believed
was slander) which was that they could
make more noise when fighting and keep
stiller when stealing and eating than any
troops on the field. At the close as well as
during the address the applause was very
hearty.
Miss Jessie Chedel, in behalf Of the cit
tzens. presented the colonel with bou-
uuet OF roses and carnations tied with the
national colors, speaking very hitting
words regarding his services as a soldier
and statesman, and the appreciation OF MS
services on this occasion. Those present
who heard the colonel IS years ago attested
TO the fact that he had lost none of his
old-time fervor and eloquence, but, rather,
was on the gain.
The choir rendered s'Marching Through
Georgia, after which an original poem,
"A Tribute to Our Brave, by Mrs. w. n.
Roberts was reclted. The presence and
| help OF the II. A. Eaton Post OF Rochester,
Clark Kidder commander, also the II. II.
Baxter Post OF Gaysville, f. c. Hagar COM
mander, were greatly appreciated. The
drummer boy OF the occasion was "Unele
Amos Crossman of Rochester, 81 years
Of age, who rolled out the music with his
old-time vigor. adding much to the sue
cess and enjoyment Of the day.