The National tribune., 1909-06-17
A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY.
The Program for Memorial Day at
Cleveland, o.

Editor National Tribune: AS our
Memorial Day program in this city
on last Memorial Day introduced a
new and interesting feature that the
undersigned believes will be acceptable
to you and your readers, he sends you
the following report OF same:
Just before o'clock a. m. the
Special Flag Service Committee with
the Bugle Corps of the Engineer Bat
talon met at the city flag pole and
Soldiers Monument on Public Square.
At precisely o'clock a. m. the Bugle
corps sounded the reveille. At the
first sound of the reveilIe the large
new garrison flag (Which had previous
ly been elevated to the top of the staT
in q compact and concealed form) was
released and opened out in the breeze
to it's full and ample dimensions. 1t was
then lowered to half staff, where it re-
mained until - o'clock noon Just
before noon the different Grand Army
Posts, who, having completed their dec
BILE on the Public Square, also Kinks
splendid Military Band. Just before
noon the band played 1.-THE Vacant
Chair" and precisely at noon the flag
was hoisted to the top of the staff, and
a National salute of 81 guns fired by
Battery A, Field Art. o. n. G. (The
old Cleveland Light Artillery, under
new name, which served thru the war
of the rebellion) and the band played
Columbia the Gem of the Ocean," and
Dixie" after which the flag was salut-
ed with three cheers by all the Posts
assembled. The band then played
Marching Thru Georgia" and the
different Posts marched off the Square
to get their luncheon and prepare for
the parade and other ceremonies. At
the Armory, just before 6 o'clock. the
band and Bugle Corps and Flag Com
mittee again assembled at the flagpole.
At o'clock precisely the Bugle Corps
sounded the Retreat, and as the last
sound of the Retreat was being made,
the flag was slowly lowered. the band
playing "The Star Spangled Banner"
The whole program was a great sue
cess and was a most appropriate and
fitting Introduction and closing of tine
proceedings of Memorial Day..
7 The program is the same as the United
States War Department in standing or
der requires carried out every Memorial
Day. All United States Army Posts and
Stations, and all old soldiers and Grand
Army men feel grateful to the Depart
ment whose respect for the veterans,
prompted the PRONUNCIATION of the
order. 1t will be noted that the first
half of the day is devoted to respect
for the heroic dead and honor to their
patriotic devotion, while the latter half
of the day is appropriated to the more
cheerful recognition of the restoration
of the Union and the return of peace.
Everything combined to make the
event success. The Board of Control
of the city was appealed to and lent
their cooperation and assistance to the
committee in ntcharge. They purchased
for the occasion the magnificent new
garrison flag that was used. and assist
ed in every way possible. The Secretary
of the Board, Mr.. Thos. C.. Moore. was
present at all times, and directed the
changing of street car lines to other
points and the services of the police
to keep open the space when required.
The occasion was honored by our
worthy comrade, the Department Com
mander of Ohio, and his wife, who were
the guests of Post Commander Col. c..
C. Dewstoe.
1t is to be hoped that this program
will be followed by other cities and
towns. 1t is one good way to show our
devotion to our Flag and inspire respect
for the same.-James J. Smith, Chair
man, Committee on Special Flag Ser.
vice, Cleveland, o.