LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
May 31, 1921
TRIBUTES ARE PAID
THOUSANDS ATTEND DECORATION DAY EXERCISES
CHIEF ADDRESS BY DAVID PALMER
Lowering Skies and Intermittent Showers Were No Deterrent to Patriotism and Enthusiasm Displayed on Occasion Hallowed By Memories
Decoration Day was observed in LeMars yesterday with fitting honor to the memory of departed soldiers and sailors and with due respect to men who have fought and served in various wars for their country.
Lowering skies greeted the dawn of the day and just at the time the parade was forming heavy rain fell and intermittent showers during the forenoon slightly marred the proceedings. In spite, however of the weather, the attendance on the occasion was very large and great crowds assembled in the City and Catholic cemeteries. The parade was headed by the Colors, the LeMars military band. In line were members of Company K, 134th infantry, the Mayor, speakers of the day, Post Commanders, Mower Post, G. A. R. Spanish war veterans, Wasmer Post Fife and Drum band, Wasmer Post American Legion, Women’s Relief Corps, Woman’s Auxiliary American Legion, Western Union College band, Boy Scouts of America, and flower girls. A long line of automobiles and a large number of citizens on foot completed the imposing procession. The ceremonies were conducted at the foot of the soldier’s monument. W. S. Freeman was in charge and introduced the speakers. Music by the band was followed by the invocation given by Rev. J. J. De Wall. The ritual of the G. A. R. was conducted by Chaplain Jason Scott and other members and the W. R. C. ritual followed and then the principal address was given by Past Commander D. J. Palmer, of Washington. The benediction was given by Rev. P. C. Kehle following the decoration of the graves by the flower girls and then taps were sounded. The procession then proceeded to the St. Joseph cemetery where an inspiring address was given by Mgr. W. A. Pape.
Ex-National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, D. J. Palmer, made the principal address at the City Cemetery, and stressed the importance of preparing for the future by keeping alive the memories of the past. He paid tribute to the valor of the boys of ’61 to ’65 and showed how their work had made possible the commanding position of United States in world affairs in recent years. He commended the bravery of the men who fought in the World war from both north and south and said he read in their record and in the faces of the young men before him he found renewed assurance that the Republic would endure. In spite of this eighty one years, Mr. Palmer is a vigorous active man in whose breast the fires of patriotism burn with undimmed brightness.
~Submitted for posting by volunteer, Linda Ziemann
