Connecticut western news., 1908-12-10
OBSERVANCE OF
 THE CENTENARY
OF BIRTH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

OF BIRTH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Committee Appointed by G. A. R. to
 Formulate Plans to Fittingly Cele-
 brate the Day Suggests Exercises
 in Every School in the Land.
 The committee which was appointed bv the Grand Army of the Republic to outline a plan for the observance or the tooth anniversary If the birth or Aora- ham Lincoln, makes the following re port to the Department officers and they ask the press to asslst them i'll glv- Ing it publicity. It follows:
 Depe rtment Commanders: Pursuant to the recommendation or the committee authorized by the 4lst National Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic, and appointed ''to take into consideration the fitting celebration of the tooth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln," which was made report to the 42nd National Encamp- ment that was unanimously adopted, the undersigned have been appointed committee to prepare programl for the occasion, met in New York City, Octo- Der 18th, 1908, and submits the follow ing as the result of it's deliberations:
 1. That the Commander-in.C Chief be reonested to invite the President of the United States, Governors of States and Territories and Mayors of cities, to par ticipate with the Grand Army of the Republic in public recognition of the Centennial Anniversary of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, February l2, 1909, and by proclamation as far as practical recommend that the day be observed us a special holiday.
 D. That the Commander of each De- partment shall appoint immediately a committee to arrange for the celebration in his Department according to the fol lowing program.
 3. That the Department Committee shall be announced in Department Gen eral Orders, with an outline of the method proposed hereln for adoption, to wit: ...-
 (a). That every Post shall recognize the day Tn some fitting manner, either in special meeting, or in attendance as a body where public celebration is held. (b). That in cities or towns where there are more than one Post, there shall be united observance, where it is practicable, embracing all the Posts, which shall be public. .. tc). That in the rural districts the exercises shall be held at the county seat. to which all Posts may send dele gates without limit, or at such other places as the Posts shall designate for their convenience. (d). That the cooperation of the Woman's Rellef Corps, Ladies of the G. A. R., Sons and Daughters cf Veterans, and all other patriotic societies be invited to participate ill all functions arranged for this occasion.
 (e). That all departments of educa- tion controlling colleges, universities, and public, parochial or private schools. be requested to arrange for recognition of the day with appropriate and special exercises, and we recommend the fol. lowing program:
 I. KELLER's AMERICAN HYMN.
 ?. INVOCATION.
 Almighty Father: Humbly we bow before Thee, our Creator, Guide and Preserver We thank Thee for what faith makes real to us; Thine al- mighty power that created the heavens and the earth and all things that are therein; the boundless love that en- yirons Thy children and moves them reverently to say Our Father We thank Thee for the noble men under whose leadership this fair land was dedicated to freedom of thought, ex- pression and action; to their successors who have given themselves to solving grave problems arising from changing conditions At this hour we would specially thank Thee, that in the time of the country's dire peril man YVES sent of Thee equal to the emergency. We pray, our Father, that these evi- dences of Thy love and goodness and these examples of noble living and noble doing, may inspire us all to at- tempt to live unselfshly, and to do our duty as far as in us lies according to the precepts of Thy Holy Word, and to Thee we give all the honor and praise, now and forever more. Amen" B. BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC, "
 (Solo with Chorus). A. SKETCH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN,