Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1908 — The Decoration Day Program. [ARTICLE]

The Decoration Day Program.

While many country people were prevented from coming into toVJp. and taking part" in the Decoration Day services owing to the delayed season and the belated condition of farm work, there was nevertheless a good sized crowd in Rensselaer and the parade was one of the nicest that has taken place in recent years. The parade to the cemetery was headed by the Rensselaer band, but tin.' failure of the merchants to comply with a request from the veterans to keep closed until after the services was over at the cemetery, required that the band return soon after the procession reached the cemjfery: The Btpres were closed for a short time, but opened up soon after the procession had moved from the court house square, where it had assembled. At the grave yard a platform and seats had been provided and an interesting program was carried out. Rev. H, L. Kindig offered a prayer, a large chorus of girls directed by Mrs. Delos Thompson, sang several patriotic songs, CapL J. A. Burnham, post adjutant, made some interesting opening remarks, and George H. Healey delivered the address. A representative grave was decorated, and the meeting was closed by a benediction by Rev. J. C. Porrett

After the return from- the cemetery the old soldiers were treated to a fine dinner in the G. A. R, rooms in the court house, the Ladies - the G. A. R. being the hosteses. The day was a very beautiful one and the service and the crowd that assisted in it by their presence was befitting the sacrifices made by the gallant men in whose honor the day is set aside.