To the members of the G.A.R. and all soldiers of the late War:
Comrades: -- We are called upon again to make preparation to do honor to
our dead Comrades.
Decoration day comes on Wednesday, May 30: a day made sacred to every
surviving soldier of the Great Rebellion. This day is no longer
confined to the Grand Army but has become a great National Festival
when all the people suspend their usual business avocations and
decorate the graves of their dead.
The people of Coldwater and Comanche county are earnestly solicited to
assist the Grand Army in this sacred duty.
The ladies of Coldwater without further notice are requested to act as
a reception committee to meet with those from the country and receive
contributions of flowers and make them up into wreaths and boquets.
The Free Masons, Knights of Pythias, and I.O.O.F. in their organized
capacities are requested to unite with us in the procession as well as
the decorative ceremonies; as also the children of the Public Schools.
Supt. Pennington is requested to arrange the details of that part of
the ceremony.
Comrades W.H. Kimple, Mansil Barnes and M.N. Hedges are appointed a
committee on transportation.
The Commander enjoins it upon every soldier and all sons of veterans to
attend Memorial service at the M. E. church on Sunday, May 27 at 11
o'clock A.M., and are requested to meet at G.A.R. headquarters at 10:30
o'clock and march to church in a body--the Sons of Veterans acting as a
guard of honor.
Services will be conducted by Rev. D.R. Latham assisted by Rev. Mr.
Dexter.
Decoration Services will be held in the M. E. Church at 1 o'clock May
30th.
The G.A.R. Post and Sons of Veterans will leave the Hall at 1 o'clock
and be joined on the street by such civic organization as may take part
with us and march to the church where an address and other appropriate
services will be had.
To the sons of Soldiers of Comanche county, I wish to say:--It is
desirable that you take a prominent part in the services on Decoration
day, and also Memorial Service on Sunday, May 27.
You are hereby requested to meet with the Grand Army at their Hall on
that day at 10:30 o'clock and take such part as may be assigned you.
B. M. Veatch
Post Commander
