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Decoration Day Services
North Vernon Sun - June 1, 1911


North Vernon
    Decoration Day was appropriately observed in this city. The day being bright a large number of people joined in the and attended the services at the cemetery Tuesday afternoon. The members of McKeehan Post, G.A.R, K. of P., Red Men, Modern Woodman, Glass Workers' Union and Eagles, each met at their respective halls and proceeded in a Boby to the corner of Walnut and Jennings street, where they formed in procession and headed by the North Vernon Band, marched to the cemetery. Each organization held ritualistic services over the grave of its last departed member and when these services were over, all present joined in distributing flowers on the graves of the soldiers and loved ones. The crowd then gathered around the platform which had been built for the occasion and prayer was offered by Rev. J.U. Brown of the M.E. Church. Mayor Stemm addressed the people in a few well chosen words, which were very impressive and sank into the hearts of the listeners. Attorney Wm. E. Fitzgerald then delivered an eloquent speech which was very appropriate for this occasion, the one day of the year that is set apart for the veneration of Our Country's Heroes.

Memorial Services at Vernon
Soldiers Memory Garlaned with Eloquent Words and Their Graves Strewn With Flowers

By Fred C. Lockwood

    Tuesday was an ideal day and fitting and appropriate exercises were held in honor of the old soldiers. The citizens of town joined with Baldwin Post G.A.R., in the solemn services as rendered at the court house. C.C. Jordan presided over the meeting. The choir made up from the best singers in town rendered several patriotic songs. Lincoln's famous Gettysburg speech wasby Mrs. Lena Storey. Miss Helen Hulse recited and Miss Gladys Eitel gave a piano solo, while Mrs. E.P. Trapp and Miss Kate Wenzel gave a piano duet. The Governor's proclamation, as read by John R. Carney and a paper on the origin of Memorial Day by the writer, preceded the address. George H. Batchelor, of Indianapolis, who had been named as the speaker on this occasion a product of Vernon, made the main address, Mr. Batchelor was at his best and in a well prepared and logical speech pleased his auditors to the fullest extent. People came en masse to witness the ceremonies and the court room, decorated with flags, was filled with spectators. A brief synopsis of Mr. Batchelor's remarks follows: Fifty years ago this nation was entering upon a great struggle, the end of which men could not see, but which was to determine whether or not this nation should at that time live or die. The land of the free and the home of the brave had a blot upon its escutcheon. It belied its name by keeping human beings in bondage. In the free states the idea gained a foot-hold and grew apace that the system of slavery was inconsistent with the fundamental principles of America Institution and powerful moral sentiment grew up in favor of its restriction and ultimate abolition. That shot which brought the walls of Sumpter crumbling about the heads of its gallant defenders, enthused the martial spirit of the North and filled its people with the unalterable determination that at whatever cost, the Union should be preserved. Passing over the four years of bloodshed, sorrow and suffering, termed by the speaker as years of anguish and dispair, he named several battles that were familiar to the soldiers in which he said American pluck and courage, dash and valor, tried steel on steel, the story of which, written in the blood of patriots upon the pages of the world's history, and enshrined in the hearts of our people, will ever be patriotic inspiration to future generations. Speaking of soldiers, he said, these soldiers-the dead whose files are yearly growing longer, the living whose ranks the relentless hand of time is cutting down-we love and honor for their deeds and let us hope that it will ever be our sacred duty to yearly revere their memory and cover them with flowers. In speaking of republics in the past, the speaker contended that they had flourished until they attained a marvelous degree of glory and of power-and died. Like comets they flashed their brilliant light across the world and areno more. Greece and Rome were given as an example "Thus we learn," said he, "from history, that wealth and commerce, literature and art, conquering armies and worldly power do not guarantee the permanancy of a state." The speaker asked the question of what constitutes a state an answered it by stating that-many high minded men," constituted a state. Mr. Batchelor's remarks relative to good citizenship were timely, stating that, the right of universal suffrage is a God-given right, meant for exercise. Upon its intelligent and faithful exercise our lives, our liberties and our happiness depend. With the priceless privilege of our suffrage in our possession there is ni this county no excuse for many of the evils in our national life, except the indifference of the people. So I plead for good citizenship, said he, that citizenship which has an intelligent knowledge of public questions, which has the courage of its convictions and the determination to see that they preside. A citizenship which is active and militant in the promotion of the public welfare and which will not countenance evil. A citizenship which knows its duties, but knows its rights, and knowing, dares maintain. In conclusion, the speaker said "You the patriots of peace, are the guardians of your country's future. Your interest in public affairs, your knowledge of public affairs, your courage and independence in political action, your civic honesty and unselfish devotion to your country's good are the cornerstoens upon which the fabric of your constitution rests. If you are faithful to your trust your country will endure.
    There were present twenty-four soldiers and after the ceremonies at the court house a procession was formed on Front street and in company with the children who carried flowers, the "Vets" marched to the cemetery where ritualistic services were held at the grave of Stephen Skinner, the last one of their number to have answered to the final "taps."

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