New Britain herald., 1915-03-04
VETERAN 10 GIVE
 SERIES OF TALKS
Commander F. '. Stttta Tells ef
 Old Time Soldiers.

In order to bring before the pulp lie the importance and significance of the G. A. R. state encampment which is to be held in this city next
 m onth Commander F. V. Streeter is to give a series of reviews the life and work of the veterans, whose numbers are fast decreasing. Here with is printed the first of the series:
 Tt is not in the province of man to. set aside or defer the decree of nature; but it is in his power to per petrate the memory of the nations indebtedness, and to so provide that the patriotic inspirations for which the surviving veterans stand. shall continue to exert their full force that the example given may not be lost to the republic of the United States or it's lessons ignored. To the com rades of the Grand Army them selves must be credited the inaugur- ation of the movement to secure perpetuity in the practice that has been fortified as an annual custom of
 delivering patriotic addresses in the public schools, addresses that are all the more instructiyely impressive, be- ing delivered by actual participants in the struggle for national preseva- tiOn.
 With the heavy inroads that death is making in the ranks of the grand army of the republic, and the in creasing feebleness of surviving com rades, as the weight of years press upon them, threatens this custom with by no means remote obliter- ation so far as addresses by veterans are concerned. No matter how gifted with eloquence others may be who take up the work, there will be lacking the magnetic inspiration of the words, however simple and home
 ly, of the old and valient soldier.
 Men of the Grand Army wear upon the lapel of the coat constantly
 The Little Brown Button,' showing that their lives were offered upon the field of battle, and that they may be identified by comrades everywhere. Badges worn upon the coats signify the position held as officer of post or in the department of the G. A. R., or their former rank in the order. Comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic have bestowed upon others,
 
 designating them as members of the auxiliary to the G. A. R.. that when worn, will be constant reminder of the deeds of the veterans and the respect due to those worthy of the same. Business men are successful largely by their unceasing efforts, circumstances, and eternal Nigi1ence. But if not sustained by the conditions dn fOS INI {,, cess is not theirs. The efforts of the soldier to save the nation, re- sulting in one country and one flag, has made it possible for men to ac- quire wealth and the nation to be- come example for all the world.
 "A representation of that body of
 men of the state and nation will soon come to the city of New Brit ain. April , and 16 next, the state encampment of Connecticut, Grand Army of the Republic, will be held in the state armory on Arch street. Full particulars will be published later.
 The commander-in-ch and staff from the great state of Iowa will be present Others high in the order from adjoining states are also ex- pected We have beautiful thriy-
 ing, prosperous and growing city, second to none-eXcept in numbers --of which we are proud. Let it be said by the large number of success full business men and others to visit us at the time of the encampment. that the citizens are courteous and hospita ble and the hand of welcome was everywhere extended. Great interest has been awakened among the comrades of the G. A. R. posts throughout the state. Let us give them a hearty welcome
 Very. respectfully,
 FREDERICK V. STREETER, Commander of Stanley Post Il, G. A. R.
 | Department Commander Depart L ment of Conn. c. A. R.