Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-08-22
old SOLDIERS REUNION HELD AT
AGENCY YESTERDAY BIC SUCCESS
Nearly Every Veteran in County With
Many Friends and Their Families
Gathered at Streblows Grope and
Launched Wapello County Old Soldiers
and Sailors association

the post No. 107, Department Of Iowa,
Grand Army of the Republic, have
the pleasure to welcome you here to-
day. can assure you that the homes
and the hearts of the people of Agen-
cy are open to you. We welcome you
as heroes of battles fought and VIC
tories won. We are here this morning
under the folds of the stars and stripes
which is recognized by every liberty
! loving man wherever seen around the
globe, as the flag of freedom. 1t is the
same old banner today that it was yes
terday, thatsi was a century ago. 1t
Is the same that waved over and in
spired that noble band Of patriots that
gained the independence of the United
States Of America. In more than a
hundred battles for the union, as borne
aloft, it gladdened the hearts of the
weary, the wounded and dying. 1t
| took the manacles from the limbs Of
over four millions of human be-
ings who were chained in the deep
gulf of despair. 1t stood them erect in
the glorious light of freedom.
Again, my comrades, we welcome
| you as heroes Of battles that have
made it possible for all to enjoy the
| privileges and freedom of American
citizenship protected by the stars
4 and stripes. Again we welcome you
because we feel highly honored by
your presence and we extend to you
a cordial welcome to meet with us
/ again."
Response by Major Mahon.
Major Samuel Mahon, president of
the Old Soldiers association gave the
response saying in part the following:
Commander Dwyer and citizens of
Agency. 1t seems BETTING that the
old soldiers should be welcomed to
| your little city by an old soldier and
one who has served his country SO
faithfully The woods remind us of
camp life, which were then our homes
and we feel inspired by the military
music. 1t makes the blood course
through our veins little faster 1t
is the music we marched to in 81
recalling scenes which never will be
forgotten. And again the name OF
the post which has welcomed us here
today is one which has made proud
name in history Winslow, who of us
that ever met that splendid leader but
what loved him, ever at the front
of his cavalry and leading them tc
/ victory and not in the rear We are
also proud of our posts at Ottumwa
the Cloutman post, which was named
in honor of one Of the first to fall in
defense of his country. And the Tut
tie post, commander of the Second
Iowa infantry and afterward promoted
to general and then to major general
Iowa is fortunate in having such his
toric and splendid men after whom
4 their posts are named. | want tt
Z thank you Mr.. Commander and citi
zens for the splendid welcome you
have extended to lis. This is beau
tiful grove for such an occasion and
not cloud in the heavens. 1t seems
as though the great divinity has unit
: ed with US today in making this g
day not to soon be forgotten for its
pleasures"
Organization Effected.
!. Following the response by Major
Mahon the military band played sew
eral selections of martial music which
was highly appreciated by the vet
Grams, after which they proceeded tc
!, effect permanent organization w
H. Fetzer was chosen as chairman O.
the meeting, Comrade w. H. H. AS
bury as secretary Then on motion
| by Major Mahon the organization was
; named the Wapello County Old Sol
diers' and Sailors association. The
officers were then elected.
= Upon motion of President Mahon {
{ vice president will be named from