Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 June 1884 — Decoration Day. [ARTICLE]

Decoration Day.

Rensselaer has not, for years, failed to observe Decoration pay in a fitting manner, and never since the inaguration of the beautiful custom of decorating every year, the graves of our patriot dead has there been so universal and earnest a demonstration as upon last Friday . The whole community seemed to vie with each other in paying tribute to our departed warriors. 5 The floral kingdom had been laid under vast .contributions and the display of w'reaths, immortelles and other floral devices was exceedingly profuse. ... - The exercises were under the federal direction of Rensselaer 'ost No. 84, G. A. R. and like everything else in which an organized band of old soldiers take an active interest, they were sure to be conducted in a successful manner. Capi M, F. Chilcote was marshal of the day and under his efficient management she procession was the finest and "fee: crowd the best conducted, of any w’e have ever witnessed upon a similar occasion. The procession w'as formed at the court house and at about two o’clock took up the usual line of march for the Weston cemetery. The procession consisted, fiist of the Rensselaer Cornet Band, playing the funeral march “Honor the Biave;” Rensselaer Lodge, No. 82, Knights of Pythias* in military uniforms; commanded by Erastus Peacock, P. C; J Lodge Knights and Ladies of Honor, in regalias; The Rensselaer Sunday schools, led by T. J. Farden, as assistant marshal; Rensselaer Post, G: A. R. and ex-soldiers with a stretcher loaded with flowers, and the flag of the post; a vast concourse of citizens in carriages and on foot. At the cemetery the exercises consisted of the beautiful aud impressive Appointed Services of the Grand Army of the Republic; A profuse decoration of all soldier’s graves; The military salute, three volleys of musketry, and an appropriate address by the Rev. M. C. Miner.