Historic leaves, volume 2, April, 1903 - January, 1904

[77] The programme included: Singing, ‘The Flag,’ H. K. Hadley, by the pupils of the high schools, led by S. Henry Hadley; introductory address by Mayor Edward Glines; address, His Excellency Governor John L. Bates; singing (a) ‘The Breaking Waves Dashed High,’ (b) ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ by the pupils; address, His Honor Lieutenant-Governor Curtis Guild, Jr.; singing, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ (with accompaniment by the band); remarks, by John F. Ayer, president of the Somerville Historical Society; poem, by Librarian Sam Walter Foss; music, Eighth Regiment band; singing, ‘America.’

---

Address by Mayor Glines.

Mayor Glines said in part:—

Somerville appears to-day in a dual role. She is both guest and hostess. She is honored, and, in turn, she bestows honor. She invites His Excellency the Governor and His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor of this great commonwealth to participate in these ceremonies. She honors them by a reception such as only so patriotic a city can give, and feels herself honored indeed by the unusual compliment of the presence of both of these distinguished statesmen.

She is honored by the presence of those into whose care she has entrusted her keeping; by the presence of these old men, who have watched her grow from infancy to youth, and from youth to a strong young womanhood; by the divine supplication in her behalf; by the singing of the two hundred pupils from her surpassing high schools; by the song of her poet; by the stirring strains of the band; and by the military display that is to her a reminder of days that were not days of peace.

And, too, she is honored by this vast concourse of people— the outpouring of her citizens to celebrate an event in her history. In return, she honors us each and all by granting to us to step upon this hallowed soil and to breathe in the patriotic atmosphere of this occasion.

We believe these exercises will be carried out in manner most befitting; but however grandly we might have planned,