Connecticut western news., 1917-05-31
HOW THE DAY WAS OBSERVED
Seven Cemeteries Visited. Fine School
 Programs. Inspiring Address,

In spite of the clouds yesterday morning the members of D. $. Cowles Post made flying start at o'clocb from their rooms. Before noon they had visited all the cemeteries on their usual route ani were back in town ready for the dinner at Pilgrim church dining room.
 Eight automobiles, furnished by generous citizens, were in waiting at the appointed time, others joined the line at various points, so that by the time the Lower Cemetery was reached, more than a dozen were needed to con. pey the party.
 | As usual the first stop was at the Catholic cemetery, north Of the village, here George w. Ford played patriotic airs on his cornet while flowers were piaced under the flags at the head of leach soldiers grave; taps were sounded as the conclusion. This was done at each stop during the rounds.
 Is3 During the trip IA graves were dec orated, 150 school children taking part at the various cemeteries in placing tie floral tributes.
 At Ashley Falls, the scholars pre- shnted program of songs and recita- tions, under the direction of Miss Tompkins which was pleasing to lis ten to-
 At Clayton the schools of that place and Sodom district were waiting the arrivel of the Veterans, and as usual took their parts in splendid style. Miss Rood and Miss Jennings having charge of the exercises.
 At Canaan Valley Miss Lowe had her program arranged with a a.ssvariety that showed careful selection and much training for the parts taken. As usual a break was made in the "trip, when the party halted at Henry 10. Stevens for coffee and sandwiches fthat for so many years the generous hosts has provided for the veterans. IA The East Canaan schools, under the Edirection of Miss Finnegan and Miss lGallahger, were in waiting with an abundance of flowers. This year the scholars had them arranged in baskets \ which were carefully placed at each flag. This was pleasing innovation, as we'll as the large evergreen wreaths that were deposited at the foot of the large flag pole. ... East Canaan's program each year lihas been so good, that it has seemed pfhey4could not improve on it, but this lyear was certainly the best ever. The enthusiasm and spirit with which they enter into the parts assigned them re. fleets the training they arc receiving.
 The Camp Fire Girls, under the leadership of Mrs. Nestell, joined the party at this cemetery, going to the Lower cemetery, where they assisted in distributing the flowers.
 The East Canaan cemetery never looked Dicer than this year; it was by far the most attractive one visited dur. ing the day. Here again the thought. fulness of Mir. Stevens was evident, not only had he personally seen that the grass was carefully cut, but each lot was in the best of order. He had also provided seats for .the veterans to oc- cupy during the exercises.
 About fifty partook of the bountiful dinner provided at Pilgrim church.
 3 o'clock found the town hall more than usually filled to listen to the school program and hear the address by MT. Maylott l President Joseph l.. Parsons, of the Business Mems Association, was the presiding officer for the occasion.
 The opening part of the program was presented by Miss Gaylord s school in song and recitation that elicted much applause. A special feature was the drill put on by squad of the boys under Douglas Adams command. The way they went through the evolutions would have done credit to any Home Guard company.
 After singing led by Miss DeHart at the piano, Rev MT. Crichton led in prayer and MT. Parsons introduced Rev. W. F. Maylott of Derby as the orator of the afternoon. Canaan audi. ences always gladly welcome MT. May lott and he held the close attention of all up to his final display of the pen nants of the allied nations.
 MT. Maylott said in part
 "'Ihere are many reasons why was glad to accept the invitation to come to Canaan and speak today.
 1 First, there is the personal reason. l count it very great honor and privi- lege to be present. The years spent here were very happy years, the fellow. ship with the people of Canaan was very sweet. The delightful harmony of the churches and ministers, the working together for good and noble causes in the various brotherhoods and fraternal societies remain an inspira. tion and the years are full of pleasant memories.
 Second. The Day that we celebrate. Nations have many holidays but we alone have Memorial Day. We meet today to honor the men of D. $. Cowles Post of G. A. R. the men who wore the blue. That rapidly thinning line, .sad to think that today many of