The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-19
LOCOMOBILE co, EMPL0YES HOLD
 BANNER RAISING
Three Thousand Present As Old Glory is Placed on
 Flag Pole.

Amidst military background, with flags waving. the band playing and prolonged cheers coming from threats of American and foreign-born alike, 5000 persons witnessed the raising of Old Glory from the new staff at the Locomobile Co. plant ad- joining Seaside park today.
 The scene was one of the most in- spring and patriotic recently enacted in this city and under the military direction of Lieut. Philip E.. Bronson, and supervision of Locomobile Co. of fcials, was fully carried out to a suc- cessful conclusion.
 Eighteen hundred employees of the Locomobile plants in this city some of whom were brought through the city in huge Riker truck trains. form- ed into companies by platoon of eight and marched about the grounds prior to the exercises. A company of 1O4 girls. employees of the company, were loudly cheered as they marched in perfect unison. 0t 9a The entire yard of the company was ablaze with color, every man and woman having been supplied with in. dividual- and company banners. In side of the big buildings all the aisles had been arched with American flags.
 The ceremonies, which began at 12:30 with a parade headed by artil- lery companies now stationed in this city, opened when an improvised stand beside the flag pole was occupied by Lieut.. Bronson of the Eleventh Co.,, c. A. C., and made the announcement that America would be sung by all.
 A. l.. Riker, who needed no introduc- ton to is employees, spoke of the occa- sion and the patriotism which had been shown by employees in dedicating the flag. He predicted that 1t would be monnentous event in their lives. Following a short history of the flag, which authorities show to be the old est now carried in the Great War by the allies, he told of it's inception and the courtesies due 1t ending by re- calling that "this flag is the symbol of a nation which has never entered war except to maintain the rights of Americans and all mankind" He was given three rousing cheers following tumultuous applause.
 H. H. Edge, brother of the gover- nor of New Jersey, made a short speech of thanks to the many em- ployes who had su enthusiastically participated.
 Regrets were read from Governor Holcomb and Lieut.. Gov. Wilson, who were unable to be present because of pressing legislative business at Hartford.
 An inscription was attached to the flag pole commemorating the event today by @ committee consisting of w. Smith and w. Breen.
 Amidst thes trains of 'The Star Spangled Banner" and the salues of the military present the flag was raised at 1920 by F. Hickman, R. K. Albright, H. Huston and w. Taft. The pledge of loyalty to the flag was re- peated by the entire assemblage. At the closing of the exercises all march ed back to the factory led by the band.
 Those responsible for the affair on the various committees were banner committee, J. J. Phelan, chairman; Lieut.. P. B. Bronson, master of cere- monies; H. H. Edge, marshal of the parade; Locomobile band under lead ership of G., Ratzenberger; women employees, Miss Mary Mccarthy, chair man; Locomobile fire company 8, P. J. Grace. officials, J. T. Roche, marshal; i; Locomobile chorus. Albert Lapke, leader; manufacturing department, George Stone, w. Jones and Joseph Heaphy, marshals.