The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1918-11-14
FLAG RAISING AT WEBER'S
Patriotic Employees of the Firm
Unfurl Old Glory

AS an outward expression of their
love for the Union, and as a tribute to
the cause of Liberty and Democracy, in
paying homage to the glorious Stars
and Stripes, and indicating their vii.
llngness and zeal to dedicate their lives
to the land of the free and the home of
the brave, and to cement and foster the
sacred bonds of patriotism, the en-
ployeeS of the H. Weber &, Sons Co., of
near Oakland. held ar impromptu flag
raising on Thursday last. Impelled bV
their own hearts desire, the employees,
men, women and nelghbors, had raised
fund for this purpose. as token of
devotion to this glorious Republic, and
1t was but eminently fitting that the
dedication of this emblem of Liberty
and Democracy shall synchorize with
the splendid achievements OF American
valor in these GROWING events of the
great world-War.
q The ceremony took place in the early
hours of the afternoon. The EMPLOYEES
of the firm, near neighbors and friends,
resting from their field of activities, had
assembled. in a festive mood, hearts
overlooking with patriotic sentiment, at
the scene of the flag raising, a wide,
-,
commanding a wide view of the charm
ing landscape and offering to crew and
passengers of passing trains in the
midst of the lovely valley. splendid
view of this monument to patriotism.
The exercises were opened by Presi-
dent Weber, of the Company. Calling
attention to the character of the occa-
sion and commenting upon the patriotic
spirit that had prompted, as an entirely
voluntary act on the part of the en-
ployees of the firm, the erection of this
lofty banner of patriotism, Mr. Weber
then introduced Mrs. Ralph Weber, who
recited, with clear ringing voice, Fran
els Scott Keys gift to America, the
Star-Spangled Banner, at the conclusion
Of which Mr.. Weber delivered the adj
dres' of the day, saving, in part, as
follows:
IA hearty welcome, my friends, to
all of you on this happy occasion. We
are assembled here to give an outward
expression to our hearts overlooking
with patriotic pride, especially so at this
hour of triumph of the cause of Liberty
and Democracy. This glorious land of
ours has always been the home and ref
uge of the oppressed of other lands,
comprising almost every nationality on
the face of the globe, and every citizen
of this land of ours has rallied forth to
the flag to vindicate the cause of Liber-
ty and Democracy, and may it not be
forgotten that among all these different
component parts of this great republic
such communities as, principally, har-
Dor the German element of our cOsmo-
pOlitan land be they of German birth or
of German extraction, are to be found
IN the foremost ranks coming to the
succor OF Liberty. Our Just cause has
been gloriously indicated in this great
world-War. We should also not forget,
however, to render thanks to God Al
mighty, the Lord of Hosts. who over
rules in all the affairs of this world. The
American spirit has made the world safe
for Democracy. and it is but eminently
fitting and appropriate that this fofty
banner, which your patriotic and gener-
Gus heart has Brought forth, be flung to
the breeze at a time when our brave
boys are deciding the outcome of this
great war and are making history in the
brOadest sense of the word And now
may this lofty and supreme banner e.
patri0usmNe unfurled
MIS-. ~ imam ~ tDtF lttl- D0iSleL tGG
flag, and as it majestcally moved TO the
top Of the tall, straight staff, ana IN.
derneath the Stors and Stripes a service
flag comprising four stars. indicating
that four members of the staff Of en-
ployees have joined the fighting ranks
"Oyer There"
Famed by the warm, zephyr-like
breczes Of the beautiful Indian Sum
mer' day, the banner rolled its folds in
soft swingings, accompanied by three
hearty cheers given with a will by those
present, and just at this moment, as if
it were an suspicious omen, an automo-
bile whizzed by, one of their number
shouting, Germany has surrendered"
thus giving an electric thrill to the
tinale-a modern Paul Revere as it were
but instead of call to arms his mes
sage was herald of peace. The mes
sage, however, proved to be non-au-
thenticated at that time, but since con-
tirmed, as our readers will have noted,
but the incident was Inspiring at any
rate, adding, # such were possible, in
creased warmth of patriotic feeling to
the occasion. AN OBSERVER.