In the presence of the commander-in-chief, Gov David I Walsh, Mayor James M. Curley and many other distinguished persons, a solemn military mass was sung by Rt Rev Mgr M.J. Splaine, DD PR, of St. Joseph’s Church, Roxbury, yesterday forenoon, in memory of the American soldiers and sailors who died in the Spanish War, in Fenway Park. There was an attendance of 15,000.
About 1,500 members of the United Spanish War Veterans were present in uniform. They had as escorts detachments from the active military and Naval forces of the State. A considerable number of Grand Army men were present.
Detachments from the Navy Yard added to the Naval aspect of the event, and altogether it was a very impressive picture that was witnessed for nearly two hours.
The mass was sung at an altar erected in the center of the diamond of Fenway Park, the military men forming three sides of a hollow square about this altar, which formed the fourth side of the square.
To one side of the altar were benches, which were occupied by the civic dignitaries, while at the opposite side was a choir of 40 mixed voices, under the direction of Pio De Luca, choir director of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. These singers rendered selections.
The weather conditions were perfect. The management of Fenway Park tendered the services of all its employees in caring for the people, while a detachment of police under Lieut Walkins assisted in the general direction of the place of the crowd.
The throng began to assemble at 9 o’clock and at 10:30 the grandstand was filled and many thousands were in the bleachers back of first and third bases.
There was a distinct patriotic atmosphere to the event and once or twice it was apparent that a very large number forgot for the moment where they were. These incidents were significant, for they told real love of country and respect of authority.