Evening star., 1917-06-05
MANASSAS IS THE MECCA
FOR "THE BOYS" IN GRAY
Hundreds Of Confederate Veterans
Visit the Battlefields in Vicinity
Of Virginia Town.

Confederate veterans by the hundred
fiocked to Manassas, Va, today, where
after commemorating the spirit of the
time by reception. to veterans, sons of
veterans and the sons, of veterans of
both sides who have registered for the
war Of 1917" they 'journeyed to the
battlef1elds of Bull Run to go over in
spirit the days of the sixties.
Veterans gathered in Washington
from every part of the country left
Grams of Manassas in going over the
historic ground. Through arrange
ments with the Southern railway those
encamped here for the reunion were
able to leave Washington this morning
and arrive at Manassas about an hour
later.
Those who took advantage of the op-
opportunity were met at Manassas and
escorted to the Gypsy Smith tabernacle,
where public exercises were held. Gyp-
sy Smith, jr, who began his religious
campaign Sunday night. was invited to
offer the prayer at the reception of the
veterans. and his choir leader was in
vited to sing patriotic airs.
Through a committee of Manassas
citizens the Confederate visitors were
given warm welcome. On the arrival
of the train there a procession was
formed. under the leadership of C. j.
Aeetze. member of the Legislature, as
grand marshal.
The procession was greeted later at
the jubilee tablet at the corner Of Grant
and Lee avenues by the school children
marches, songs and waving flags. "co-
lumbia," with the Star Spangled Ban
ner, presided over the tableau. Four
girls, in white, with hands clasped, rep
west. sang United" by Mrs. Mary Speed
Mercer of Elm City. N. c.
The new America, United" is dedi-
Gated to the reunion Of the Blue and
the manassas Jubilee Anthem"
The author. Mrs. Mercer. has Or
ganized a patriotic cantata. the PRO
Patria" and The Ode" by Dr.: Henry
Which which ar are e her own. o :united" Is the
opening chorus. while DR.. Van Dykes
America For Ne" is to be another
Mrs Msrcer from The Hague. where he
was stationed, that he was glad to have
the children of America sing his
.Ameriea r. for Ne Ne" ,oana,stier and offered his
The song United" follows: ..
America, our mother fair.
Queen Of the earth. the sea, the airi
The States, thy children. cling to thee.
America. a radiant band,
North south East west hand and e1ssgss Esst
And help us keep our affairs bright.
America! All hail to thee!
Thanks be to God who made us free!
North. South. East West. hand clasped in hand
United we, thy children, stand.
Thy throne extends from sea to sea,
Thy scepter is our liberty;
Thy ermine is our nag grand
Which proudly waves o'er sea and land;
To grace thy brow heaven lends her crown,
With golden stars it's wreathed around,
And nature pours out at thy feet.
A wealth Of treasure, rare and sweet.
Our eagles wings are proudly spread;
"Old Glory" waves above thy head;
All nations know that on thy breast
Each wand'ring child may find its rest;
For liberty doth light the way
Through darkness unto perfect day.
America lift up thine eyes!N
Thy God doth reign above the skies.
America. our mother dear,
When thou dost call, thy children hear,
And coming pray all strife shall cease
That God will bless our land with peace,
Jehovah Lord, to Thee we raise
Our hymns Of gratitude and praise,
Each state takes up the glad refrain,
A mighty chorus once again.
Many Of the visiting veterans saw the