eight o'clock sharp
Green Valley patriotism was of a higher order . At that sharp volley Green Valley awoke with a start and a laugh and ran to put flags on its gateposts and porch pillars and loop bunting around its windows . And when the morning broke like a great pink rose and shed its rosy light over the dimpling hills and lacy , misty woodlands the old town was a-flutter with banners , everybody was about through with breakfast and certain childless and highly efficient ladies were already taking their front and side hair out of curl papers . At eight o'clock sharp the school bell summoned the children . Then a little later the church bell summoned the veterans . And by nine the procession was marching down Maple Street , flags waving , band playing and every face aglow . First came the little tots all in white , the boy babies bearing little flags and the girl babies little baskets of flowers , with little Eleanor Williams carrying in her tiny hands a silken banner on which Bessie Williams , her mother , had beautifully embroidered a dove and the lovely word , `` Peace . ''