Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1913-06-05
HERITAGE OF GLORY

est on the calendar of time. There |
was 9 fall: of rain during the previous
night and the morning brought gentle
that wet down the dust
and the wind died away to gentle
breeze that held dominion throughout
the entire day. Nature and mankind
were in perfect harmony and the ex.
ercises of the occasion fitted into the
setting of the fully developed spring
time and it seemed there was nothing
lacking to render complete the com
bination.
Automobiles and carriages convey.
ed members of the Grand Army and
the Relief Corps, and others not Of |
the SO year ago period, to the cemeter-
les, where the ceremony of decorat-
ing the graves was performed. There
are 80 recorded soldiers buried at
and at Catholic GENE
terry, all entitled to all the honors be.
slowed upon patriots In the large
heated latitude of the day. Many |
having civilian dear ones buried saw
that their last resting places were not
neglected, covering with flags and
flowers the ashes of their departed.
Flags aoated from all public build.
ings, national colors could have been
seen about all business houses, while
the residence portion of the city was
gayly decorated.
There was little doing in 8 business
way, the people having given them
selves over to the observance of the
Memorial anniversary. Ladies and
gentlemen and children thronged the
streets. attired for q quiet holiday
observance. Multitndes from the city
schools lent their assistance to the
glory Of the day. AS the years 60 by
people are giving more and more at
,tention to the soldier dead and the
Lying soldiers of the civil war, the
3Oth Of May having become larger in
public estimation than the nations
Fourth of July.
The ceremonial observance of the
day began on Capital avenue, where
thesurviying soldiers and their wives,
members of Grand Army of the Re-
public and the Relief Ccrps, rendez-
voused for the parade that preceded
the formal exercises In the auditor
jun. The marching column there
and paraded Pierre street to Oak ta
Avenue, thence to auditorium. The
Pierre band led the procession, fol-
lowed by Company A. Boy Scouts,
children, the Rilief Corps, and mem.
.bers of post of the Grand Army. The
auditorium was filled with partici-
pants and spectators and over the
assemblage was waving mass Of
small and large flags.
d. w. March presided over the pro-
lceedings, introducing the speakers and
announcing the songs and recitations.
Rev. w. A. Wilkinson offered the lnvo-
cation.
First on the program came music by
band, which was followed by singing,
Star sSpanglnd Banner" then came
Battle Hymn Of the Republic, " by a
quartette. After the echoes of music
had died away. Rev. r. L. Kelley read
the governors Memorial Day Procla-
nation.
G. K. Sellers, in clear voice and pleas
ing manner, read Lincoln's Gettysburg
address. Music followed.
D. w. March, of and for the society,
Sons Of Veterans, delivered brief adj
dress. His remarks were very appro-
pirate, and were spiced with utterances
full of entertainment and good cheer.
Judge John f. Hughes, as orator
Of the day. delivered an address Of
unusual merit to the audience assem-
bled in the auditorium. His subject
asked the audience if they remember
ed the most Important part of the
history of this country that part per
tanning to the beginning Of the civil
war. the causes leading up to the con-
tiict, the conduct of the war, the sur
render of the enemies of the country.
the final climax at Appomatox. He
declared that the soldiers who fought
outthe great conflict were enshrined
i'm the hearts Of the generations that
had succeeded them and would be
doubly enshrined In the hearts of
generations yet to come. Like most
speakers upon the theme Of the war
of the rebellion, Mr.. Hughes paid.
tribute TO Abraham Lincoln, the war
president. giving to him credit for the
GROWING act that arrayed the God Of
battles on the union side the eman-
cipation Proclamation that freed the
slaves, following the victory 1t Ante.
tenn. which Lincoln had promised ia
the event of victory. From the en-
ancipation Proclamation. the cause
of the union prospered and victory.
followed victory until q reunited coun-
try was tho result.
The snedictibn was pronounced by
D<~w~ &