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HKCORATIO* DAT.fAccording to previous arrangements the chiMhjn of the Turners’ Gymnastic schools under the direction of their teacher, Prof, Assmann, and a number of the member* of theschool on Eighth street connected with the German Lutheran church, with their teacher, Mr. Smith, assembled at Turner Hall, yesterday, and at 2 o’clock started in procession for the cemetery. Theline was headed by the elegant flag be-longing to the Gymnastic school, furled and draped, borne by Mr. Iienry Untor-brink. Martial music was furnished by two drums, John Faust and Johnnie Scboeffler, being drummers. The procession was a line one, being composed | of about one hundred and fifty bright-•yed, intelligent looking children, all I bearing bouquets of fragrant flowers.I here was a general feeling of regret that th» military did not turn out, but no blame was attached to our citizen soldiers, who were represented not only by Col. Cooper of the Fifteenth Battallionand lt;%ipt. Brueggomann of the Guards,but by many private soldiers, none in uniform, however, Regret was also expressed that the children of all the Public schools did not turn out and make it a “Childrens' Celebration,” and thus fix in their minds the importance and sacred ness of the day devoted to honor- 1 ’ng tbe memory of those who died thatour country might live; the day that might aptly be called the national holi-1day of the war of the Rebellion as thePourth of July is of tho Revolution;,^ !war. In aduition to those who marchedin procession was an immense!throng of citizens of all classes. 'l pon arriving at the slope above the soldiers’ graves at the eastern part of the cemetery, the assembled thousands were called to order by Capt. F.Rudershausen, who officiated as Marshal !of the day, and introduced Rev. W. I \\ ilken of the Lutheran church, who jdelivered an earnest, impressive address in German, being rewarded by the close ‘ attention, not only of those who understood the language, but by others who could appreciate the true eloquence of gesture, expression and tone, as exemplified by the speaker. jJudge H. S. Baker was next introduced by Capt. Riulershausen and made an offhand address that thrilled thehearts of all, his words having the patriotic ring that appeals to the heart, !especially when spoken over the graves of thoso who “gave the full measure ofdevotion to their country. JudgeBaker stated that ue came not expecting tfl speak but to perform a sacredul“)* iut umbcut on every trueAmerican and one that he had never I neglected, that of reviving the fragrant1memory of our dead heroes by strewin blooming roses over their graves, lie Iwas especially pleased to see the chil-1dren engaged in the work, for they were living mounments, more enduring than stone or marble, and on their hearts tho lessons of patriotism would be imprint-ee in characters that would never die.At tin* conclusion of Judge Baker'stemaiks the graves in the eastern portion of the Cemetery were decorated.The line of ularch was then resumed and tho same duty was petformed attlii graves in tin* north eastern corner of the grounds. The services closed with a prayer by Rev. Mr. Wilk-en, preceded by the Lord's Prayer inunison with tho school children present,and the procession reformed and re-tuined to turner Hall, i'ho observancewas pronounced a groat success by allin attendance. This shows that our citizens are never lacking m patriotic feeling, but are every ready, willing and anxious to take a part in the celebration of every national holiday, and especially in the day in the “month of roses” set apart to the memory of the dead heroes of the war to save tho Union. Tho only thing that has ever boon neglected inconnection with the observance hasbeen ihe making «f proper arrangements beforehand, as through thisneglect a unity of action has not beensecured, and hence the effect has notbeen as great as it would otherwise havebeen. Especial honor is due the members of the Turner Society and those teachers and members of the schools who took part in the celebration yesterday, and by an organized effort madethe affair a success.
Newspaper Details
Alton Daily Telegraph
Alton, Illinois, US
Tue, May 31, 1881
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Hayner P.
IL, USA 20 May 2023
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