Memorial Day Observed in New Ulm. — Showers During Forenoon of Day Precluded Cemetery Services.

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LARGE NUMBER

PRESENT FT. RIDGELY EXERCISES

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Short Parade Wended Its Way Through Principal Streets of New

Ulm Between Showers.

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Decoration day was observed in New Ulm in the usual manner. The weather man furnished a showery morning, which precluded holding the usual services at the City cemetery. The program was at the Armory. The usual parade formed at the intersection of Center and State streets and marched the business section of the city, and dispersed.

The parade was headed by Major Max Sebald, as marshal of the day. Capt. A. C. Amann acted as aid. The 205th Infantry band, members of Ben J. Seifert post, American Legion, Co. A, 205th Infantry, and World’s war veterans, were in the line of march. They were followed by the remaining members of the G. A. R. and Hecker circle in autos.

The second section consisted of Frenzel’s band, boy scouts, school children, New Ulm battery and citizens in autos.

Exercises at Armory.

Because of the rain the exercises were held at the Armory. R. J. Stewart, former principal of the New Ulm high school, presided and introduced the speaker of the day, Rev. A. E. Norman.

“The people of this country, during the past seven years have done their utmost to express their gratefulness toward those young men, who returned from the World war, and more especially to those, who were maimed and crippled.” The speaker called attention to the fact that they were worthy heirs to the boys in blue of over a half century ago. “We can say without boasting that they reflected great credit upon our free institutions and gave to all men a demonstration that democracy is on the right road.

“It will remain one of the greatest miracles of history that the youth of the land were so quickly turned into soldiers, the equal of any, whoever met in battle.” Attention was called to the fact that those, who had returned from the fiery ordeal had again taken up the duties of a peaceful life. The thought was projected that the youth of the land, were better men both physically and mentally, by reason of the great experience. “Our boys were taken out of a life that was apt to become dull and artificial and brought face to face with grim warfare – it stopped play — acting and forced men to be in earnest about what they were doing. That is a great gain.” Their experience during the war grouved the soldiers’ natures to not care overly much for the tinsel and trappings of this life but rather for the ideals.

Those, Who Did Not Return.

The speaker called attention to the fact that many did not return. He was reminded of this fact, while viewing the Rainbow Division when it marched up Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, upon its return from war.

“We rejoice in the men who came safely through such fearful scenes, but we cannot forget those, who were cut off in the very flower of their manhood.”

During the course of his remarks Rev. Norman used a vein of philosophical argument to show that the World war was not fought in vain, but rather would its benefits be realized as time passed on. “Surely, if we have any belief in a providence that shapes our human ends, we can say that what has cost so much must have corresponding worth. It would be a mad world indeed, where such great sacrifice was demanded and taken, if nothing be gained in return.”

Great Loss to Republic.

Rev. Norman called the attention of his hearers to the many questions of great importance that must be solved in a republic, and of the value of upstanding, loyal and intelligent characters, who do their part in this respect. “Many a man who fell on the battle field, had he lived, would have taken his part in shaping the destinies of the republic, but if we believe in a divine providence, we mus’; believe that what cost such a great sacrifice must eventually reap a consequential benefit.”

But Ten Left.

There are but ten members of Hecker post left. They are: Jacob Klossner, Jr., John Laudon, Rich. Pfefferle, Peter Penning, Jacob Schneider, Henry Moll, Sr., Henry Fortwengler, John Dingler, John Krueger and George Gieseke, Sr.

The 205th Infantry band furnished the music for the occasion. The G. A.R. services were followed. President Lincoln’s Gettysburg address was given by Jack Schoch. This was followed by the address of the day. Mr. Stewart in introducing the speaker stated this was the 58th anniversary of Memorial day in the United States. He explained the origin of the day and that as the members of the G. A. R. were becoming aged the American Legion posts all over the land were assisting in the arrangements for the observance of the day. He informed the members of the G. A. R. that the American Legion would see to it annually that the graves of the depart ed comrades were decorated and kept green.

The ladies of the Hecker circle rendered a selection, Mr. Stewart read the general orders issued by the headquarters of the G. A. R. for the observance of the day, and also a list of the Civil war, Spanish-American war and World war veterans, who are interred in the various New Ulm cemeteries as well as those resting in the nearby cemeteries.

Observance at Fort Ridgely.

Decoration day, as usual, was observed at Fort Ridgely. This year the formal dedication of the new flag and staff, recently erected at Inspiration point, and two 150-millimeter World war gun trophies, which were received at the park sometime ago and were since mounted at headquarters and at the monument, respectively, took place.

The Ish-tak-ha-ba band of Sleepy Eye and the Citizens and High School bands of Fairfax furnished the music for the occasion. An excellent program of patriotic numbers was arranged by Colonel C. H. Hopkins, park superintendent, and Commander Ewald Schmechel of the Fairfax American Legion post.

A large attendance was present during the exercises from New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Fairfax, and other points.

Brown County Journal

June 4, 1926

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