The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-06-12

here. Many societies participate in
these demonstrations upon the plea
that the inculcation of patriotic prin-
ciples is a part of their duty. Some
of these societies are of an anti
Catholic character, and their participa-
ton in such demonstrations frequent
ly colors the ceremonies with an an
ti-Catholic sentiment, according to a
circular letter of John O'Dea, State
Secretary Of Pennsylvania.
The reason some of these societies
seek to associate their patriotic cele-
brations with their anti-Catholfc
prejudices is plain. They are ig-
norant of what Catholics have done
Tor America. This ignorance it is a
part of the duty of Hibernians to
combat. The campaign of education
can be conducted in no more effective
manner than through Hibernian DEM
onstrations on all patriotic occasions.
The public would be attracted to these
demonstrations, and there would be a
dissemination of truth and knowl-
edge calculated to maintain the pres
tige of our race and religion, and
guard against the assaults of ig-
norance.
We should, therefore, accept every
opportunity to participate in flag rails
ings. memorial exercises, dedications
Of monuments, layings of corner
stones, and all professions Of pa
triotic nature. We not only influence
others, but favorably affect ourselves.
It is a deplorable fact that too many
members of our Order are unfamiliar
with the great services our race have
rendered to this nation. Did we know
more of our past, we would do more
for the present. The future, also,
must be considered, for If we do not
cherish the deeds Of Irish heroes in
America the memory of them may
perish. The Du Bois, Penn, State
Convention must have been impressed
by that thought when it adopted this
resolution.
"Resolved, That some one of the
numerous Irish heroes whose re-
mains rest in Pennsylvania be COM
memorated by this Order, and that the
incoming State officers be directed to
accumulate information regarding en-
inent representatives of our race who
have rendered distinguished services
to the State or nation, so that monu-
ment may be erected"
Our Order can do no better work
than engage in public demonstrations,
even if it we're only to secure new
members. AS a part of our men,
bership campaign these flag raisings,
cornerstone layings, public process
sions, are an investment well worth
the effort. They inculcate pride and
self-respect, and encourage the study
of our history, impressing upon us
the vital principles of Hibernianism.
There are two factors which our
Division orators do not emphasize.
These two factors are the nature Of
Hibernianism and the warrior char
acter of the Irish race. 1t is not un-
timely to set forth a few facts and
sentiments calculated to enlighten
some of our members on these two
characteristics.
In any public assemblage our speak
ers should dwell upon the sacrifices of
Irishmen in all the critical periods of
American history. There are many
immortal names of Irish origin on the
rolls of fame, and if we do not fire.
quently repeat them is there not dan
ger that other generations will forget
them?
The raising of the flag is one duty
which We Hibernians, in common with
all the citizens of nation, may do
assemble to do honor to the insignia
of American liberty. We are not di
vided by age, or sex, or race, or politics
or religion on such occasions; and We
yield to no body of our fellow citizens
of any race, when it becomes neces
sary to make sacrifices for it. W.
unlike many of our neighbors, have
hitherto shown most of our patriot
ism in times of war, leaving flag-rais
ing, etc., to those whose patriotism
fails to develop white heat save fl
times of perfect peace.
We recognize the Stars and Stripe
as the emblem of liberty and law
the magic talisman which has in
spired millions with courage to die
and is it not a majestic thought tina
these millions have died that W
might live in liberty?
1t is a flag, of peace today. But ou
people have been with it on man
fields of carnage, on many ships who's
scuppers ran red with blood, in man
batteries piled with mangled dead
have been with it when it was indee
a flag Of war. We love to dwell upo
the sacrifices Of our fathers unde
this battle-hag-the sacrifices whic