Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-06-04
HONORING OF THE HEROES
DECORATION DAY is BECOM-
INGLY OBSERVED
Tram, Tramp of thd Old Boys-Bril-
liant Procession-A Ex-
erciees and Floral Offerings


The fight of years does not in the
least obliterate the homage sought to
be paid by grateful people to the de-
tenders of their country, dead and liv-
ing Every community in the broad
northland observes this custom and sets
apart an hour or full day to the pur-
pose. The spirit is imbibed by the ris-
ing generation in no less measure than
by those who have been scattering these
tributes of love and affection for forty
years and more. Aside from the sem
timent and tribute to the patriots the
custom has softening and deepening
effect on our natures, rolls back the
veil that separates US from our loved
ones laid away, and is time made pre-
cious for covering the grassy mounds
of civilians as well as patriots who
fought for their country in time Of
bloody strife.
Few if any places in the land are
more earnest and devoted than Viroqua
in giving her best and purest efforts. to
Decoration day. Citizens vie with vet
Grams in contributing to the custom
that has become so strong and will new
er grow old. And the year 1913 adds
closing May day that is in all respects
credltable to the community. With
cloudless sky, sward bright and bios
SONS fragrant. there was naught to
mar the occasion. Country and city
joined in procession that has not been
excelled in beauty and size at any
time. From the post hall marched the
soldiers and Relief Corps, joined by
Spanish-American boys, Third Regi-
ment Hospital Corps, Camp Fire Girls
and Boy Scouts, flower girls carrying
wreaths, officials, citizens in carriages
and automobiles, all these divisions
headed by the Third Regiment band.
Procession moved south and east to
near the public school grounds and was
Joined by long line of pupils from the
high school, grades and county training
school, all divisions in charge of instruct
o.s, each carrying flag at the head.
1t was a long and beautiful procession.
At each soldier mound in the cemetery
marked by an American flag, garlands
of wreaths and flowers were laid, then
the c. A. r. ritual service was per-
formed, with glee club, training school
chorus and band music. In fine voice
and correct emphasis Lawrence Brody
gave Lincoln's Gettysburg dedicatory
address. A salute to the dead by firing
squad ard bugle sound closed the exer-
cises aud procession remarched to the
city.
Postm aster G. j. Smith was orator of
the day, and as usual, put strength and
feeling lto his words, delivered in fine
voice th,t could be heard TO remote
parts of the big audience. After brief
reference to the beauty and solemnity
of the occasion the speaker spoke con-
corning the terrible sacrifice of the war
and the wonderful changes that have
taken plRse in fifty years of peace, pro-
gress ard prosperity since the victories
of the sar.
Throughout the entire address Mr..
Smith laid partlular stress on the two
fold purpose of memorial services, that
OF showing our appreciation for the
saerisi .ea made by the soldiers Of the
rebellion, and more especially that of
teaching lessons of patriotism to the
rising generation. He urged upon the
fathers and mothers the responsibility
resting with them to teach their children
such lessons drawn from the results of
war That they may love peace, admon-
ishing them that true heroiem ia dis
played no less ia times of peace than
Ii times Of war That life is a great
battle, and that continual warfare
should be waged against the foes Of
true manhood and womarhood A fine
tribute was paid the old soldiers for
their valor and sacrifices ia the days
when the country's ver3 rife was IN the
balance, displaying q patriotism and
love Of country such as tie world has
never before known. They are deserv-
ing OF the best things this country can
bestow upon them in their closing years
of life and ought to receive a crown in
the hereafter,
Alex Lowlie Post has charge of ard
pays tribute to the memory OF ninety
nine comrades, 10 graves ia Nirooua
cemetery, II in old grave yard, at
Westby. at Coon Prairie, 8 Salem
Ridge. hers at Brush Hollow ard
Newton.
Following The exercises members Of
the Relief Corps served lunch 10 the
soldiers and others who were instru-
mental 10 arranging for the days ex
ercises. There the old boys had an OPP
portunity TO renew yarns Of other days.
II was pleasing end commercially fit
ting that the band gave street con-
cert after the exercises we're over,
There appears 10 be some fixed sen.
timeut among our people that commenc-
ing next year, the real work Of Deco
ration Day should be assumed by citi-
zens of the city and community, having
as guests of honor Of the day the old
soldiers and Relief Corps In many
places that plsn has already been es-
tablished. That would relieve the vet
Grams Of any anxiety or necessary work
Training School Exercises
Sixth annual commencement exer-
cises of The Vernon County Teachers
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