CELEBRATION OF THE COLUMBUS DAY IN 1892

 THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM 

THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM FOR THE NATIONAL COLUMBIAN PUBLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATION October 21 1892 

NOTE 

The instructions for the proper conduct of these exercises are given in small type the successive exercises themselves in the large type.

The schools should assemble at 9 AM in their various rooms. At 9.30 the detail of Veterans is expected to arrive. It is to be met at the entrance of the yard by the Color-Guard of pupils, escorted with dignity to the building, and presented to the Principal. The Principal then gives the signal, and the several teachers conduct their pupils to the yard, to beat of drum, or other music and arrange them in a hollow square about the flag, the Veterans and Color-Guard taking places by the flag itself . The Master of Ceremonies then gives the command: "Attention!" and begins the exercises by reading the Proclamation.  

1. READING PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION, by Master of Ceremonies 

At the close of the reading he announces: "In accordance with the recom mendation of the President of the United States, and as a sign of our devotion to our country, let the Flag of the Nation be unfurled above this School".

2. RAISING OF THE FLAG -   -   -   By the Veterans. 

As the Flag reaches the top of the staff, the Veterans will lead the assemblage in "Three Cheers for 'Old Glory.'"  

3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG, -   -   -     - By the Pupils 

At a signal from the Principal the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the Flag the military salute-  right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and close to it. Standing thus, all repeat together slowly: " I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible ,with Liberty and Justice for all." At the words, "to my Flag", the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward, towards the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation; whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side. Then, still standing, as the instruments strike a chord, all will sing AMERICA- "My Country, 'tis of Thee.'"

 4. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD, -   -  Prayer or Scripture.

5.SONG OF COLUMBUS DAY, -    -   By Pupils and Audience.

Contributed by 

The Youth's Companion 
AIR: Lyons 

 Columbia my, land! all hail the glad day 

When first to thy strand Hope pointed the way:

Hail him who thro' darkness first followed the Flame 

That led where the Mayflower of Liberty came.

Dear Country, the star of the valiant and free!

Thy exiles afar are dreaming of thee. 

No fields of the Earth so enchantingly shine, 

No air breathes such incense, such music as thine.

Humanity's home! thy sheltering breast

 Gives welcome and room to strangers oppress'd. 

Pale children of Hunger and Hatred and Wrong 

Find life in thy freedom and joy in thy song.

Thy fairest estate the lowly may hold, 

Thy poor may grow great, thy feeble grow bold,

 For worth is the watchword to noble degree, 

And manhood is mighty where manhood is free.

O Union of States, and union of souls! 

Thy promise awaits, thy future unfolds, 

And earth from her twilight is hailing the sun,

That rises where people and rulers are one.     

by Theron Brown 

6. THE ADDRESS,-  "The Meaning of the Four Centuries".

A Declamation of the Special Address prepared for the occasion by The Youth's Companion.

7. THE ODE, -   -   -   -   "Columbia's Banner." 

A Reading of the Poem written for the occasion by Edna Dean Proctor. 

Here should follow whatever additional Exercisesm Patriotic Recitations, Historic Representations, or Chorals may be desired.

8. ADDRESSES BY CITIZENS,-    -  and National Songs.

  THE OFFICIAL CEREMONY OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE COLUMBUS DAY ON THE DAY OCTOBER 12. THIS PROGRAM WAS  ADOPTED BY THE MINISTERY OF EDUCATION OF THE USA FOR ALL THE SCHOOLS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN 1892.

THE PROGRAM WAS FOUND IN THE MAGAZINE OF THE MINISTERY OF EDUCATION OF THE USA:

INDIANA SCHOOL JOURNAL - VOL XXXVII OCTOBER 1892 NUMBER 10 

I HAVE PRESENTED THIS OFFICIAL DOCUMENT AS IT IS.