New Britain herald., 1916-05-31
E % w F1Ren 5s sS n9V eAS DEPEND ON

president of the Sons of veterans, and ex-Congressman Thomas L. Reilly the orator of tho day. William H Glbney was marshal of the parade Rev. s. A. Fiske was in charge of the Boy Scouts, H. H. Damon, captain of the Sons of Veterans and E. I. Clarke, captain of the G. A. R. veterans.
 A large company of people was gathered near the monument at the Congregational church to meet the marching line led by the band, and including the speaker of the day, Hon. Thomas L. Reilly, the veterans, sons of veterans, boy scouts and school children. They completely encircled the monument. Prayer was offered by Rev. Carleton Hazen and Q. song was sung by the school chill Gren. Then the floral tributes were placed about the monument. The veterans and sons repaired to the dining rooms of the church, where a bountiful dinner was served by the Kensington ladies from all the churches. At the same time the boy scouts enjoyed a luncheon on the lawn in the shade of the church..
 Afterward the line was reformed to enter the church accompanied by Chopin's funeral march upon organ and piano. The old church was filled to it's capacity, including the galleries that are rarely used now adays. Judge George G. Griswold was the presiding officer. The entire assem blaze sang America" Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Lounsbury, pastor of the M. E. church. The choir sang, 70 Beautiful for Spacious Skies.' Lincoln's Gettysburg ad- dress was spoken by Robert Ritchie and at the close he received a round Of applause. The school children sang ''The Star Spangled Banner" Rose Kiniry gave a recitation, How Did You Die?"
 Congressman Reilly's Address.
 The Hon. Thomas L. Reilly, of Meriden, delivered an interesting and inspiring address. He referred to the manner in which the townspeople are perpetuating the record of fifty-three years ago, when the simple shaft that stands just outside the church was dedicated. The distinction of being the first in such a memorial the speaker declared, a much larger community might well be proud of
 Until the war broke out beyond the seas, we could say that the war of '61-'65 was the greatest the world ever knew. No one knows what they are fighting for now. But with those who partook in our civil strife a e1 eat principle was at stake. There is compensation in having a great principle.
 Our country is the one great power at peace with the world today. God direct our president in pre- serving peace with honor! Prepared ness depends not so much upon great armies or navies as upon individual character. If we are just and honest, maintaining the square deal, our nation will be preserved. A village, town or nation is no better than the individuals composing it. The trenches that can never be taken are in the hearts of men that stand for what is true.
 The descendants of those who came over in the Mayf1ower and landed at Plymouth Rock are not real Amer jeans, unless they cherish deep down in their hearts and high up in their heads the principles and ideals of the nation. You are true Americans when yOo SldIll true lo CIloI dilet5 ldllCC- u you cease to do that, you are coun- terfeit Americans and the American people do not like counterfeits.
 The dwindling ranks of the Grand Army call to the sons or descendants the duty you owe to them. You have paid your full tribute to the memory of the heroic dead in memorial and decorations for many years. There