The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1917-05-31
FITTINCLY OBSERVED
Business Activities Suspended in Our
Village While Citizens Honor
Soldier Dead, Yesterday.

Impressive Services Mark the Annual
Observance-The Rev. FIR. Kral
Delivers Eloquent Address.
Princeton suspended business opera
lions yesterday, while the people of
this community joined with the bal
ance of the nation in paying homage
to our honored soldier dead.
Ever since 1868 the people have
dedicated one day year to the brave
boys who marched forth over half CEN
tury ago to battle for united nation
and the principles that gave us birth.
Now that America has decided that the
right is more precious than peace, and
now that we have been forced into a
stupendous conflict that shakes the
very earth, the full significance of the
sacrifices made by the boys Of the COS
can be comprehended.
Fitting services marked the OBJ
servance of the day in Princeton. The
weather was far from ideal but good
ly crowd was at the court house
grounds for the flag raising at II a.
m. School children in the bandstand
sang, columbia the Gem of the
Ocean," and followed it with the
national anthem, "The Star Spangled
Banner" while Christopher Bridge, a
veteran Of the civil war, raised Old
Glory on the flag pole. Rev. Geer of
the M. E. church then delivered a
patriotic address that fairly breathed
loyalty, and his remarks were fitting
close to the exercises.
The regular observance of the day
started at 1 p. M, when the old SOL
diers congregated at T. H. Caley's
residence. Led by the Jones Bros.
drum corps they marched to the Arm
DRY where special seats had been re-
served for the old boys in blue in the
center section.
Year by year the veterans are fall
ing out of the ranks-they are cross
ing to the other side. In former years
the Wallace Rines Post turned out by
the score on Memorial day, yesterday
there was barely a dozen in line. In
a few years at most they will all be
gone. .s.-
Notwithstanding the downpour of
rain the spacious auditorium, includ-
ing the gallery, was filled to over
flowing. 1t is estimated that at least
$500 people were present. Not for
years has so great an interest been
mortal day in Princeton, and had the
weather been more propitious the at
tendance would have been even larger
The audience was intensely patriotic
and the telling points in Father Krals
Stirring address were vociferously ap-
plauded.
A selection by the High School or
chestra was the first number on the
program, and it was we'll received
after which Rev. Jas. A. Geer pro-
nounced the invocation. School children
then favored those present with a
song. A male chorus next sang, "Old
Glory" and Rev. FIR. Kral of Foreston
then delivered the address of the day
It was mastery talk, and every SEN
tence was pregnant with loyalty and
patriotism. ...
It will be no disparagemento of many
able addresses previously given in
Princeton on similar occasions to say
that yesterdays Grafton stands out
among the very best Of them. The re-
marks Of the reverend gentleman fair
ly teemed with patriotic fervor, and
he paid glowing tribute to the old
soldiers, whose heroic deeds and noble
; sacrifices preserved the Union.
= In unmistakable terms the speaker
emphasized the duties of every Amer
lean citizen in the present crisis. Ere
quent applause greeted his eloquent
utterances, but the building fairly
shook when he said that if this coun-
try and it's government did not suit
some whose disloyalty is Indicated
they should move-get out.
Obedience and loyalty to our coun-
try and our president are the watch
words, he said, and for all there is
only one God, one country and one
flag. Creeds and nationalities should
be forgotten, said the speaker, and all
should accord to America fervid al
legiance and sincere devotion.
Reference to the young patriots re-
spending to the country's call was
made, and he emphasized the fact
that it is a sacred duty, to offer all
on the altar of patriotism when all is
demanded.
In his address from beginning to end
n I, i IL, l. I.