New Britain herald., 1928-02-16
BOYS 0f Y HOLD
 MAINE MEMORIAL
Spanish American Var Veterans
 Ply Tribute to Dead

Maine Memorial day was observed last evening by A. c. Hammond camp, United Spanish War veter- ans and tho auxiliary. at the state army with . program ot appropriate exercises. Practically every mem- Der of the camp and auxiliary was present.
 Joseph Y. Dutton. former mayor of Bristol. was the principal speak, CT.
 ''The pleasure of the evening l. marred when one turns back and realizes the greatness and historical significance of the day." Mir. Dutton said. Thirty years ago the battle- ship Maine cruised into the harbor of Havana and at s:46 o'clock was blown to pieces with loss of 26l en- listed men and 2 officers. Although war had not yet been declared these men were the first to die in tho war with Spain. The blowing up of the Maine was not tha political cause Of the war but proved to be tho pivot cause that proved that Spain was not desirable neiEhbor. War fol- lowed the disaster and with 1t came freedom for Cuba. The Spanish war gave the United States the inspira- ton for the last war that this c0un- try fought, namely the World war.
 Why do men 70 to war? What are the reasons? Love of home and love of country enter the heart of every man and fires his soul to do his part to maintain the freedom and independence of his country. The Spanish war veterans responded to their country's call with enthusi- asm and patriotism.
 To-day every town, city and vil- lage is the scene of a gathering Of Spanish war veterans. who arc hold ing exercises in memory Of their comrades who died for their coun- try. Esteem and affection are shown today for both the living and dead soldiers of the war. Although the living soldiers walk along the street and feel that tho people has for- gotten their work of 50 years ago, this is not true. Deep down in their hearts the people are filled with af- lection and love for the men of 1S9S."
 Mr. Dutton paid high compit- mcnt to Mrs. Theodore Johnson and her staff for the efficient manner in which they conducted the installa- ton exercises as Bristol few weeks ago.
 Past Commander w.. W. Bullen gave & short talk on the amusing in- cIdents that occurred in the camps during 1898 and told humorous stories about members of the camp present at the meeting.
 Ex-Commander Theodore Johnson was the next speaker on the pro- gram. He gave a short speech on the sinking of the Maine.
 Times during the war were al- ways trying" Mir. Johnson said. The great difference in weather caused the soldiers great discom- fort. The soldiers were outfitted with heavy blue uniforms that were fitted for the climate in our country but were totally out of place in the war area. The heat was terrific and the soldiers suffered untold misery.
 Many of the soldiers who en- listed and fought in the war never returned alive. Many were killed and others died from diseases. How ever, the body of every man who died on foreign soil during the war was returned to the United States for burial. The Spanish American army veterans can be proud of the fact that their army was the only volunteer army that ever fought under United states colors. Every man was volunteer and 1t is al- most safe to say that there will never be another volunteer army in this country"
 Past Commander W. J. Rawlings gave 8 short address. He told the audience that the Spanish-A American soldiers went to war to fight for their country and do whatever was expected of them and they felt, when the war was over. that they had performed their duty in the best way they knew how. Mir. Rawling also gave q short talk on the humorous side of the war.
 Past Commander A. H. Grisw old. who had the unique experience of participating in both the Spanish American war and the World war, told of his experiences in both wars.
 The exercises were conducted ty Quartermaster Ike T. Hills. in the absence of Commander William Kramer. who is confined to his home by illness. A short entertainment was presented. Miss Rita Kare danced and Mrs. Larson sang sever- al solos. Miss Margaret Roosa gave q recitation.
 At 9:45 o'clock the entire audience arose and remained in si- lence for two minutes out of respect to the memory of the men who died when the battleship Maine was sunk.