The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-08
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS
Sunday was Flag Day.


 Sunday afternoon at o'clock T went out to the Southern shops at Avondale.
 The employees had erected an S5-foot flag pole. platform was arranged for the speakers, and a great crowd was present to hear patriotic addresses and to sing the national airs. |
 commissioner Hornady was the prin- cipal speaker and emphasized the fact that Old Glory had right to it's name, as 1t never had gone down in defeat or been used for oppression. l It was an inspiring sight to see the men, their wives and their children, as they filed through the various gates and took their stands around the platform. ! It was class of people who were loyal to the core-husbands ready to serve in shop for their country; wives ready to save in the kitchen to serve for their country.
 1 At o'clock, in company with Commits sioner Truss. I drove out to woodlawn. where in the public park, in the rear of the Woodlawn Baptist church, large crowd had gathered
 1 This flag raising was under the school board and the school children were pres ent to have 8 part. It was joy to hear them sing America" Their childish voices sounded mighty sweet as the song floated cut on the breeze and was lost in the ] trees
 Here the Hon. Sydney J. Bowie made the principal speech and as usual it was thoughtful, eloquent and convincing. He 1 is a great favorite with the school chill dren of Birmingham
 | It was the first time had ever visited | the park, and was glad to find such an attractive spot had been saved for the pleasure of the Woodlawn saints. { At o'clock l was present at Eight eenth street and Morris avenue to see | the loyal Louisville and Nashville rail- ] road men hoist their beautiful flag to the breeze.
 MT Taliaferro. the chairman, made an effective speech and paid a high tribute to the loyalty of the negro em- ployes of the Louisville and Nash vile
 John Matthews followed in a heart to-heart talk to his fellow laborcrs and felt sure if any were called upon to go to France they would heed the call. He was for smashing Berlin R. E. Weaver, a man who has made a name for himself with the road and with its servants, spoke of the great service each one could do for his coun- try by being faithful to his duties as a railroad man.
 Superintendent Brooks went into de- tail IS to how the railroads are the arteries of the country and of the re- sponsibility that must rest upon the various systems in helping the coun- try to win the fight against Ger many.
 Walter Brewer spoke of how he had worked with the Louisville and Nash ville and made enough to fit him.. self as a lawyer. but 1t the call Of his country he was going to enlist. The crowd. under the leadership of Rev. John Inzer, gave him three cheers that brought the tears to his eyes. His speech was eloquent and full of patri- otic fervor.
 
 Hugh Morrow, who came last, was at his best. Hugh is greatly beloved by the Louisville and Nashville employees. His speech was full of humor, yet shot through with & seriousness that was inn pressive. His tribute to the flag was a beautiful bit of patriotic sentiment.
 It was a striking scene to see the Stars and Stripes raised in the heart of the railroad yards and to hear the speeches a-s the trains rushed by. As the flag was run up, just as 1t was unfurled. the crowd saluted it and in unison took the pledge of loyalty. think 1t was fitting to have the flag raising on Sunday afternoon. I think it was IituiiS to nave the ceremonies opened and losed with prayer. Rev. John lnzer, who offered the invocation at Avondale and at the Louisville and Nash vile yards. lifted both services on a high and holy plain.
 It was busy Sunday afternoon for me. l made talks at all three places, and went hi,t hao 1t was good to live in a community where such loyalty was being shown NOW let's all get together and have a flag raising for the whole of Greater Br- mingham at Capitol park on Thursday night, June 14, national Flag Day. X xllfh 70. 2 >