Norwich bulletin., 1917-06-25
BALTIC FLAG RAISING EXERCISES
Over 100 in Parade Preceding Formal Exercises-Tovn Sprague Proves Loyalty Country, to President to the Cause of Humanity Through the Red Cross

battFefields in time of war and he con- cluded by explaining the significance of the American flag, receiving hearty applause.
 Address by Hen. Frank p. Fenton. Hon. Frank P. Fenton of WIEIiman- tic, the next speaker introduced, said: Patriotic citizens of Sprague: Today you have unfurled the grandest ana noblest emblem of American liberty. This flag has stood the test of time and should we be called upon to de- fend this flag on the battlefield the response will be with true American spirit, heritage handed down to us from our forefathers.
 WiIIimantie's Generous Aid. MT. Fenton spoke of the good work being carried on by the Red Cross ani related instances which occurred in his home city during Red Cross week He said the employees of the American Thread company and employees in other industries in Willmantic, as well as the residents in general. had come forth with generous hand and assisted by their contributions to relieve suf- fering humanity. He spoke of Sprague, rich in history, and complimented the citizens on their patriotic spirit.
 Lauds President Wilson.
 He praised President Wilson for the able manner in which he has conduct ed the country's interest during the present crisis and concluded by saying tha tthe American flag which has ever waved unble1niShed will continue so to wave
 Rev. Charles Smiths Address.
 Rev. Charles Smith, pastor of the Baltic Methodist church, then spoke as follows:
 This week now ending, closes with a superb effort made on the part of all who are interested in trying to hV aGi dent that 100000, 900 be raised by the Red Cross toward the war fund. Up to the latest report that I have seen .$S0, ,000,00 has been secured. This branch has done well. In home cir cles the question is being asked why raise so much money?
 Well, my friends, we owe a debt to the nations across the sea. We owe a large obligation td France. We can not forget what this country did for us when we were a young very small nation. We cannot forget the record of 17S1. When we were in the thick est of our trouble and with no en- coura cement that we could win out, it was France that brought $50 O0O, 900, also $500 soldiers, who with our A., 500 soldiers won a victory at York town. Cloud applause).
 Stands for Sympathy.
 This flag stands for sympathy with
 
 when we recall that time in the his tory of the little republic of Venice fS4S when the president on being told that a dispatch had been received from Daniel Main of that country, arose from his bed and ordered that recognition of the Venetian republic should be sent on the very next ship, approving their attempt to make themselves free from the tyranny of Austria.
 It stands for personal liberty. Our flag has never stood for destruction, but it has always had to do with the th9Gght 9T of building up-
 the local Red Cross.
 Father Lynch Speaks.
 Rev. Thomas Lynch curate at St Mary's parish, in opening his address greeted the members of different creeds and thanked them for the splendid showing they made in the ranks. and told them it was 1 great pleasure to witness a patriotic event in Sprague such as had been witness ed at the flag raising. Father Lynch then explained the meaning of the into with Germany. He spoke of the patriotic spirit which exists in the United States at this crisis and praised President Woodrow Wilson for the able stand that he has taken in matters concerning this situation. He urged his listeners to follow this able leader and be governed by his orders.
 As a Catholic priest. he asked his listeners, of whatever creed or na- tionality, to inwardly bear no hatred to the peoples of Germany, but should the time ever come when the call to arms Is issued by the president of this great nation to answer that call and go forward with true patriotism and American spirit and fight for the l honor and glory of that flag that has given each one protection and freedom and has waved in triumph since the | signing of the Declaration of Inde- 1 pendence, and will continue to be famed by the breezes of liberty and | (Great applause).
 Address in French.
 Rev. J. V. Be1langer, pastor of St. | Marv's church. delivered an address | in French. Speaking of the unity l which existed between all creeds and | nationalities as witnessed in such | patriotic gathering assembled to take | part in the raising of the Stars and Stripes. He spoke of the Red Cross end related incidents in American history and commented on ! the lives of famous American person ages.
 Catholics Will be at the Front.
 Father BelIanger spoke in tribute | to the soldiers who sacrificed their | audience that Catholics had ever oc- rupied place at the front and should l they be summoned that Sprague might we'll be proud of the sons she | produced to go forward into the fray
 Mrs. Jodoin Expresses Thanks.
 Mrs. R. J. Jodoin, chairman of the l local Red Cross, the last speaker on | the programme, thanked the officers | and members of the Baltic branch for | their hearty cooperation and faithful |