The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-05-16
PATRIOTIC THOUHTS
I'm THESE days when Old
Glory floats proudly over
the battlefelds of France,
Brief Discourse on Patriotism and It's Bearing or
Our Country and Our Flag
sr Before Quarterly Meeting CAautauqua Circle by Mr. g. W.

WSNHNH OjOIy HOdUS piOuOIJ ONOt
1EkNH the battle6elds of France,
tA-Al and every one at home is
anxious to do what they can, our
thoughts are constantly on our
country and its welfare. They are
therefore patriotic, and each and
every individual should be proud
that he is citizen of such a grand
and glorious country as our
United States.
We are all aware that America
spells freedom. One hundred and
forty-three years ago our fore
fathers gathered together and de-
manded the right to govern them
selves. The conquest of battle gave
them that right, and as it has been
good enough to live for. it is un-
doubtedly good enough to protect
and if need be die for.
The civilized world today is con-
centrating life and energy in ac-
complishing the great object that
is absolutely essential for our fu-
ture happiness and prosperity,
namely: THAT the world shall be
made safe for democracy" 1t is
evident that the nations who have
cast their entire capital and man
power to bring about such a con-
dition are now depending on this
country to a great extent, and we
must not be found wanting. The
duty of every citizen is very little,
providing each one does his bit.
The first duty of every true patriot
is to support the President, cheer
fully obeying each and every COM
mand. He has shouldered a great
responsibility and if we are loyal
to our country and our flag, it is
safe to assume that we shall 60
through the struggle and come
forth victorious, shouting the
battle cry of Freedom. America
has never engaged in any battle
for gain. All were fought that
liberty-loving people might enjoy
a peaceful existence. The one
thought predominant in this great
world war is FREEDOM For ALL
FOREVER.
The people of this grand and
glorious country will contribute
every dollar and the good red
blood of every man, that this
Apollyon shall not crush the civil
lied world under the heel of
Prussianism, and we must eliminate
the thought that might makes right.
It is because we love the right and
abhor the wrong that we are send
ing all our strength and resources
against such a relentless and ruth
less foe. The brave men, living
and dead, who have made such
heroic sacrifices in our behalf, have
not labored in vain. The spirit of
Washington, Lincoln and Grant
still lives, and America as nation
will fight to the end to uphold their
principles.
Somewhere in France today
America is fighting for the rights
of humanity. The brave soldiers
of this United States and those of
our allies have not died in vain.
America is fighting the good fight
and shedding her blood in a good
cause. Twenty-Five million men
have sacrificed their lives, and
twenty-five million homes are
mourning the loss of their loved
ones. Hunger and sorrow have
walked hand in hand through Bel
gium and France. A malignant,
satanic monster has approved of
the killing of women and innocent
children-a crime against Belgium
so inhuman that we knew the
baneful autocracy of Prussia had
spoken. Surely it behooves you,
in this generation, to remember
your children and leave a record
that they will be proud of.
In the meantime we are calling