Connecticut western news., 1913-09-18
REUNION ECHOES
Veterans We're Enthusiastic in Praise of
 Their Entertainment

Veterans We're Enthusiastic in Praise of
 Their Entertainment
 The veterans and guests numbered about twice as many as the committee had estimated in advance. yet there was not 8 chance for 8 reasonable kick, Tn regimental badges ran short. but an ex- tra supply has been ordered and all the Second Heavy veterans who failed to get their badges at the reunion will receive them later. The ladies of Pilgrim church, who provided and served the dinner, proved themselves equal to the emer- gency and served fully 100 more dinners than they had figured on. It was a creditable achievement.
 Thirty automobiles, donated by the citizens, carried the veterans and guests over the route mapped out for the veter- ans joy ride, around the Lakes. and about half of them had to go around the second time. About 200 passengers took the ride.
 Every Canaanite had right to feel proud of his town. The village was profusely and gaily decorated on every street and never looked so pretty before.
 Captain James E. Deane, who went out as the first lieutenant of Company F of the original 18th Regiment, and later commanded Go. L. received a continuous ovation at the reunion. Some of the veterans had not seen him since he was fully wounded in the forehead. The bullet that wounded him is still in his possession-he carries it in his pocket and showed it many times during the day.
 The Canaan Citizens Band rendered fine service and received many compli- ments on their excellent music.
 Mrs. D. o. Kilbourn, wife of the popu- lar secretary of the regiment, has pinned the badges on the veterans practically every year for more than forty years.
 Representative Dudley Vaill, of Win sted, son of the late AdJutant Theodore Vaill author of the History of the Nine teenth O. ", afterward the 2d o. V. A. !" was present. and ill response to 8 call from President Roberts. made brief speech.
 Bob" Erwin, the handsome, smiling and stately vet, who once upon time was editor of the New Milford Gazette, was on hand. and had to do lot of hand shaking, with old comrades and others.
 Comrade Charlie" Spreyer, of New Haven, liked the town and people so we'll that he stayed over night. He said: 1t was one of the best reunions the regiment has ever held, and the veterans will never forget it. Considering the fact that we surprised you by the great number of us, you people did wonder fully we'll. The dinner was splendid and those at the second table fared fully as well as those at the first. The auto mobile ride, through such magnifi- cent scenery, was rare treat, and you have reason to feel prou1 of the way the town is decorated and of the great success of the whole undertaking.
 The pictures that appear on tn s page are from photographs made by L.. D. Brinton of Falls Village, who took a number of excellent views from various points.
 The Glee Club was an enjoyable feat ure of the campfire. They were accom- panied by Mrs. Bierce, on the piano, and their singing was an inspiring part of the afternoons program.
 "Tom" Norton of Lake vile, who puts vim into any gathering with which he gathers, was called on by President Rob- erts for few remarks, and Tom deliver ed the goods ill his usual irresistible manner. He is a member of the Sev- enth, but expressed his pride in being 8 "brevet member " of the Second Heav- ies. He gave the darkey's definition of brevet major as one who is not quite a major, but may be some time." A mule is brevet horse, said MT. Norton. Every man, woman and child i'll the county was a member of the Second Heavies when it went forth. as the orig inal 18th. and all might say, with Long, fellow, "Our hopes and fears are all with thee." Those were times when, if we had known what was before us, we might have said, "Lord, give us bullet and let us go home." But think of all we have been through since. All the meals we have had to eat; all the noun tains of tobacco we have had to smoke and chew; all the clothes we have had to buy-especially the women's clothes. In the old days of expansion the women looked like balloons: now in the days of contraction they look like beanpoles. But whether as balloons or beanpoles they are always charming. Then to think of the friends we have lost and lad away Tn the last 50 years-the visits to the cemeteries, etc. When we con-