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WWI
Memorial Day - 1919
McLean County, Illinois

[McLean County, Illinois, in the World War, 1917-1918; by Edward E. Pierson & Jacob Louis Hasbrouck c 1921]
(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

On May 30, 1919, the first observance of Memorial Day in Bloomington after the return home of most of the men who had been in service in the years 1917-18, there was held in St. Mary's cemetery, the Catholic burial ground in Bloomington, a most unusual and impressive solemn high mass for the dead soldiers whose resting place was there. A spacious platform served as the sanctuary. Upon it were seated two hundred soldiers and sailors in uniform, 120 altar boys, the choirs of the three Bloomington parishes and a full orchestra for accompaniment to the music of the mass. The mass followed a parade of soldiers, Knights of Columbus and men of the parishes, headed by the Bloomington band. Dan Connor was marshal and he with James Flavin, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, led the procession, which marched from Holy Trinity to the cemetery. Forty sisters from the three parishes of Bloomington sat before the platform. Behind them the crowds closed in. Father' O 'Callaghan was aided in the service by Father Julius as deacon and Father Hayden of Wapella, as sub-deacon. Father Medcalf was the master of ceremonies and introduced Father Sammon, of Peoria, when the time came for the address. The priests were clad in golden chasubles and performed their ceremonies before an altar of filmy white set with a few golden candlesticks. The dazzling canopy contrasted strongly to the gray-green foliage of the box elders in the rear. The 120 altar boys were dressed in cassock and surplice. On opposite sides of the rostrum were the Ameriman flag and the crucifix held by a sailor and soldier respectively. Grouped at the left of the platform were the vivid service banners of St. Mary's, Holy Trinity and St. Patrick's, Knights of Columbus and of the Colfax church. Several gold stars were to be seen glowing in the sunlight among the blue stars of the banners. The choir of sixty sang Eosewig's mass. Their united voices carried easily to uttermost parts of the congregation. When the chorus ceased and the chant of Father O 'Callaghan rose from the altar into the air the crowd hushed to catch the accent and meaning of his song. After the mass Father Sammon, a former Bloomington boy, advanced to the front of the platform and addressed the crowd upon the principles of patriotism and the meaning of Decoration Day.

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