The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-01
ALL SKOWHEGAN PAYS TRIBUTE Of RE-
SPECT TO THE HONOREO DEAD
Rising and Departing Generations Combine To
Form Unusually Impressive Parade

The beautiful and impressive SER
vices connected with Memorial day
when a great nation pauses in its on
ward rush of business that 1t may
nav its tribute of respect to its hon
ored dead, were flttingly observed by
the citizens of our town under the
auspices of Russell post, No. 96,
Grand Army of the Republic, both on
sunday, May % and Tuesday, May 80.
On the former date members of the
Post and Ladies' Relief Corps gath
cred at G. A. r. hall and at 1890 a.
m, led by Company e band marched
TO the Methodist church where ap-
propriate services were conducted
with a most able sermon by the pas
tor, Rev. F. L. Hayward. The chair
rendered special music. Mrs. Amelia
Gould delighted the large audience
with a solo and the band added it's
splendidly decorated for the occasion
with bunting, flags and flowers and
a large engraving of President Lin
coin in a conspicuous place.
Memorial day opened most favor
ably for the exercises that were to
take place. The members of G. A. r.
accompanied by the Relief Corps un-
der command of P. A. Cleveland,
commander of the Post, escorted by
the band Company e, and the Boy
Scouts, marched to the Opera house
where the exercises were to be held.
Precisely at 1.30 p. m. the band rem
>dered appropriate music. Rev. F. L.
Hayward offered heartfelt gratitude
to God for the preservation of our
National honor for the sacrifices
made and for the blessings we enjoy
today. Mrs. Amelia Gould with splen-
did voice sang, who Will Care for
Mother Now?" Comrade w. H. Wes-
ton read the orders from both Ma
tonal and State Departments, touch
ing Memorial day services. Post
Commander Cleveland gave well
come to the large audience that filled
the Opera house. Post Adjutant
Weston read the roll of honor" the
names of comrades who are buried in
the cemeteries of Skowhegan. Post
Chaplain s. F. Emerson read Lin
coins address at Gettysburg; H. b.
Perkins thrilled the audience with
song; the school children filed upon
the stage and rendered selections in
chant and song, proving most excel
lent efficiency in their part of the
exercises.
The memorial address was deliv-
cred by Comrade James W. Bracket,
who had actual experience in army
life as a member of the famous First
Maine cavalry. The speaker was
frequently applauded as he touched
upon subjects connected with our
nations history and especially when
they bore upon the scenes of the war
of the rebellion which can never be
obliterated from American heart and
thought and life. The address gave
satisfaction and was an effort worthy
of the day and occasion.
Following the address came beau
tiful song by Mrs. Emma H. Dunton,
the national ode, America" was then
rendered by the audience, the band
leading. Rev. George Merriam pro-
nounced the benediction and the ex-
ercises at the Opera house closed.
The procession formed in the
street and proceeded to the G.. A. R.
hall where the wreaths and flowers
were distributed to the veterans. The
exercises connected with the decora-
ton took place first in the North
cemetery. Rev. George Merriam Of
fered prayer and H. B. Perkins sang
"Tenting on the Old Camp Ground"
accompanied by members of the band.
After the veterans had decorated the
graves of the comrades the process
sion moved to the South side. When
the veterans were on the north bridge
for the first-t time the impressive cere-
mony of strewing flowers on the riv-
er in memory of the departed COM
rades of the navy was observed. Two
small girls bore a large plate of
loose flowers that had been provided
by the Relief Corps to the side of
the bridge and Post Chaplain Emer-
son cast the flowers upon the waters
at the same time reciting the follow