The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-04-04
ASK THAT
FOURTHBE
OBSERVED
Commercial Club and Fargo
Citizens Urge That City
Join in Plan.
NATION WIDE CELEBRATION
Renewal of Fealty for the
Flag Great Purpose of
Movement.
NATION WIDE CELEBRATION

A celebration Of the Fourth of July
on a. plan aimed at stirring up the
patriotism is suggested in a communi-
cation to The Forum today from Abel
Erickson, while the Fargo Commercial
club, in its publication, The Budget,
also sets forth the proposition.
That Fargo, in common with other
cities of the United States, should
make the Fourth of July observance
this year one Of the greatest it has
ever held, and that the day should be
given over to the cause Of Americana
cation, is proposed by the Chamber Of
Commerce Of the United States.
The immigration committee Of the
Chamber Of Commerce of the United
says in its Bulletin Of March l." says
The Budget:
Local chambers Of commerce and
the industries Of the country can rem
der a very practical service by get
ting behind the movement to make
next Fourth Of July again "Ameri-
canization Day." The practice was be.
gun in 1915. In the awakened state Of
national feeling, the first national
anniversary after the outbreak Of the
European war was recognized to have
a peculiar significance for all Ameri.
cans. Among the native born It en-
phasized the blessings Of peace and
the benefits of citizenship in a nation
free to work out it's own destiny.
Among the foreign born It had a more
complex meaning. Those who had re.
Gently become American citizens or
were preparing for American citizen
ship felt the new loyalty. not yet Sc.
curely attained, challenged by old
memories. traditions and allegiances.
Those who had been working for years
in America. who had cast their ma.
terial lot here, but had never known
and never sought American citizen4
ship, realized to the full extent what
try. Reused by the war stimulus, they
could-pot help following one of two
lines, either reverting to loyalty to
the old country, for the sake of be.
longing somewhere, or turning, with a
Quickened desire and aspiration to the
new
What is Fargo Going to Do?
THE foregoing suggestion IS one
that should find a ready response in
Fargo. We cannot afford to forget
that we are an important unit in the
national entity. We have been justly
proud of the record made by our North
Dakota regiment on the Texas bord-
er; we have accredited ourselves
large need Of praise for this record;
let us now show the nation at large
that this standard of patriotic efficien-
cy. is applicable to our entire citizen
ship. Let us make the Fourth of July
a day on which, in no unmeasured
terms, we renew our fealty to the flag;
to do this, everyone must do his or
her share. How 1t is to be done is
up to you and yours. Let us hear
from you."
Erie<son's Communication.
In his communication to The Forum,
Mr.. Erickson says:
Every citizen Of Fargo, and in fact
every citizen of the United States,
should boost for real celebration Of
day, that we may be
blessed with the spirit Of our great
who fought and won for
us the liberty and independence which
we enjoy today. Let us build them an
everlasting monument in our hearts.
and in return for their great deeds
let us build up our patriotism. Love
our country with a passion which
aims to serve it, either in defending
it from invasion or protecting its
rights and maintaining its laws and
institutions in Vigor and purity.
Patriotism means the same in
every country, the characteristic of
a good citizen. the noblest passion
that animates a man in the character
OIL d ClLI1cu. MAY dISO Do Inc uESb
to adopt a patriotic way to celebrate
the Fourth of July, and let us start
this year. Every home should display
our flag, either in the windows. on the
roofs of their houses or on a flagpole
in the front of their buildings; bands
should be employed to play patriotic
music early in the morning, in the af-
and in the evening. A speak
er should be secured to talk to the
children in the morning and to the
older people in the afternoon and
evening. The children should parade |
the streets with our flag, as should the |
The city should have a |
public celebration with fireworks in |
the evening. Let us awake to more
patriotism and show more enthusiasm
for a great country and love for hui |
mainly. America stands for a world |
wide democracy, and peace for the
world. ..~
Let me suggest that our city ex-
tend through the commercial club an |
invitation to all the people in our
and as far as it may reach 70 |
Join us in our new way of celebrating,
and may I suggest to all societies |
within our city to take this sugges-
ton under consideration that we may
60 Operate and make a success Of it," |
RELIEF IN Blight