Rocky Ford enterprise., 1905-06-02
MEMORIAL AND DECORATION
DAYS OBSERVED WITH
UNUSUAL INTEREST.


UNUSUAL INTEREST.
The regular annual memorial program
under the auspices of the G. a. r. and
associated patriotic societies was opened
on Sunday by Memorial services at the
NJ. E. church. There was large attend
ance OF members OF the g. A. R.. W. r.
C. and Ladies Of the G. A. r.. which to-
gether with the interested public filled the
church to its full capacity. even to stand
ing room. and many were turned away.
The sermon by Rev. F. r. Hollenback was
a most excellent one. abounding in ap-
probation OF the great republics leading
position among the nations OF the earth
and its great responsibility. The unpar-
aleled history OF the United States was
due to two principal factors; religion and
commercial instinct. The people OF the
United States are the heirs Of all the past,
but what shall this prof. IL we have not
learned to make good use Of our respon-
sibilities. Our uneaualled physical re-
rourees and our geographical isolation
give US special advantages. Our country
is to be the great moral battle ground OF
the twentieth century. in which the ques-
tons Of congested wealth. the relations OF
capital and labor. immigration. intemper-
ance and anarchy must be settled and
settled right. The speaker had faith in
the correct settlement o! these questions
by our nation because he had faith in
God. We have fought five wars and
have won in all. because we have never
engaged in warfare except in the cause
Of humanity. An eloquent tribute was
paid 10 the memory OF Lincoln. We owe
10 the bravery and patriotism OF the SOL
dierB OF the civil war debt VIC can never
pay.
Mrs. Bowman's solo in the opening OK
ereises was much enjoyed by the large
audience.
The program Of Decoration day was
opened a, $3.50 by tho patriotic societies
marching TO the ValleyVicw cemetery
where the ritualis;ie services Of the @. 4.
r. and W. r. C. were gwen in the pres
eneo Of large attendance OF citizens.
The graves Of all deceased soldiers were
found designated by small flags and all
wero decorated with flowers, as for
many years past.
Tho membership Of tho three patriotic
orders is larger than ever before and tho
attendance NJ the ceremonies Of deeora-
ton unusually large.
Beautiful weather favored tho Deeora-
ton Day exercises in tho City park in tho
afternoon. Tho program was opened
with music by the band. \ song by male
Il
West. Pollock and Burroughs. followed
by the service OF the G. a. r. ritual under
the direction Of Commander Chritton. The
General ordor relating 10 the observance
Of tho day was read by kdIu;ant Green.
Tho unknown dead were not forgotten.
a rnonumen, 70 their memory being dec
GRATED with flowers BY the W. r. C.
o. G. Hsss Of Ia Junta then delivered
an address which was listened TO with
great interest. Tho organization OF g.
4. r. was dwelt upon and its value TO the
nation impressed upon tho audience. Tho
address aboundcd IN lofty patriotism and
was received with much favor by the old
soldiers.
a solo was gwen by Mrs. NJ. N. Nelson.
her fine strong voice reaching the out
skirts Of the large out door audience.
Col. lockhart well known as 4 patTi-
otie orator. then delivered ono OF his char
actcriste stirring addresses which we re-
grct We cannot publish IN full. Tho open
ing sentiment was that tho sweetest
fiowor that buds and blooms in tho
human heart is gratitude" and the inter-
est shown by the public IN the services Of
the day was an evidence OF the gratitude
felt for the sacrifices made by the SOL
diers Of the civil war. The address
closed with original verses Of which we
give 4 few stanzas as samples Of their
patriotic fervor:
Fall in. fall in Old Soldiers.
The Reveillo is heard.
The 3iyouac and Picket
Are at the summons stirred.
Fall in that you may answer
The roll call sounding clear.
And when you get to Denver
Prepare TO answer here
Fall in. fall in. Old Soldiers,
And rub your sleepy eyes;
The Mists OF time are heavy
Around you as you rise:
The friendships on the musket
Grow rusty as its lock, Isworn
Fall in, once more touch elbows.
As in the battles shock.
Fall in. fall in old soldiers.
A few more flying years.
The roses will be blowing
Above your lonely biers,
The Roses and the Ivy
And the lonely myrtle climb
Above the sleeping millions
Plumed and Knighted in their time.
Fall in, fall in, old soldiers,
And fight your battles DER.
Until above the last, low bier
The wings OF freedom soar:
GL-rA k.nA . ka-A arA krart q