Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-05-31

13, G. A. r.
that the veterans of the war of the
Rebellion are fast nearing their Last
eager hands to take up the carrying
on of the traditions of the G. A. R.,
and as one of the speakers of the day
noted, it seems as If the people of
America are being inspired anew
with the significance of the day.
At s o'clock in the morning details
from the G. A. r., S. OF v. and
James Fitzgerald post, American
Legion We're dispatched to the out
lying cemeteries for the decoration of
soldiers graves. This traditional
labor of love was carried on by
groups throughout the morning. I'M
til nearly 700 graves in Augusta had
been decorated with the flag and a
wreath of spring flowers.
Naval Memorial Exercises
The memorial services for the ma
TONS dead, who have given their
lives in naval service, were held on
the Kennebec bridge at IL o'clock in
the forenoon. The column made up
of the G.. A. r. veterans, the Amerl-
can Legion. the Sons of Veterans. the
Seth Williams \ Independent Relief
Corps, the Ladies of the G.. A. r..
National Relief Corps, Daughters of
Veterans, American Legion Auxiliary
and the clergy moved from Grand
Army hall up Water street and over
to the south side of the bridge where
the service was opened With the in
vocation by Rev. Stuart b. purves,
d. D., Rector of St. Marks church
Rev. H. II. Brown, pastor of the
Mon,nrin1 tict n, +,
made brief remarks and was follow
cd by Mrs. Emma \. Gannett.
With the reading of the following
words by MIR. Gannett, the various
organizations lovingly cast the flow
erS onto the waters of the river and
they were carried on tho current
down to the sea as silent tribute
to the sailor dead.
"On this day let us gather oul
choicest blossoms and strcw them or
the water. to show that we honor ant
hold in grateful remembrance these
heroic dead who sleep beneath tho
oceans wave.
"Afar the distant hills loom blue.
The sun shines overhead,
Where gather for the last review
The Army of the Dead.
And there beneath the quiet skies
Each answers to his name.
AS Freedom stands with shining eyes
To call the Roll of Fame"
Appropriate and stirring remarks
were made by Commander George T.
Gay and Adjutant DIR. William Media.
vid. followed by reading by Emma
Jones. and then the services were con.
cluded with bcncdiotion by Rev. A
Francis Walch Of the Univcrsalisl
church.
At .noontime the members of Seth
Williams Post. with the auxiliary
units and the detail from the S. of v
and the Legion which had decorated the
graves, had dinner at G.. A. r. hall
Bert L. Nicholas. who was in charge
of the spreading of the rations. had a
most substantial repast for the veter-
ans.
The Parade
The program of the afternoon began
with the parade which was scheduled
for 2.15 o'clock. Because of stor
made by the boys from Co. T. to heir
in fighting fire at Togus the parade
was held up until about o'clock. The
parade formed on Water street and
proceeded up Water to Bridge, VI
Bridge to State and along State tc
Monument Square, where it formed
around the monument, remaining dur
ing the exercises.
The parade was under the direction
Of Col. Clarence H. Cram Of the Sons
of Veterans as marshal of the day
who, with his aides, Ray Church and
Emery o. Beane, handled it in a most
satisfactory manner.
A platoon of police led by City Mar
shall w. j. Skehan led the column. fol-
lowed by the marshal of the day and
his aides. Next came the Augusta Ca
det Band under the direction Of Frank
A. Dennis. with the seth Infantry Bril-
gade Headquarters Company under
Capt. Lester NJ. Hart, and Co. F. 103rd
Infantry. under Capt. Raymond w.
Swift following.
The patriotic organizations Of the
city. James Fitzgerald Post No. of
this city. Commander H. o. Barney;
Henry G. Staples Camp. Sons of Vet
Grams. Captain Arthur C. Davis COM
handing; Seth Williams Post No. 10,
G. A. r., Commander George E. Gay
commanding came next followed by a
large gathering of Augusta school chill
dren.
A number Of disabled veterans IN
carriages formed the next section Of
the parade. which was followed by the
women's patriotic organizations, Seth
Williams Independent Relief Corps;
Gen Phil Sheridan Circle. Ladies of
the G. A. r.: Seth Williams National
Relief Corps: Sons of Veterans Aux
Hilary: Daughters Of Veterans, and the
American Legion Auy;I;ory