The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1918-07-01
LARGE SERVICE FLAG.
Was Unveiled at Congregational Church
Last Evening.

Before a large audience, which filled
the Congregational church last evening,
service flag containing between go and
20. stars was dedicated, in remembrance
of the large number of young men who
have gone out from the church into ac-
tive service for the United States. Men
tion was also made of and credit given
TO the former pastor of the church, DIR.
J. w. Barnett, who is engaged in Y. NJ.
c. A. work in England, government or
ders prohibiting the use of stars upon
service flags for any except those in ac-
tual fighting service.
The church was prettily decorated
with roses and other flowers and at the
center of the platform was the service
flag, each star covered with red liberty
bell
After the organ prelude, America"
with variations and finale, the "Star
Spangled Banner" was rendered by the
choir, with the congregation joining in
the chorus, followed by an invocation by
numbers, "To a Wild Rose" and the
"Msrseillaise" we're given and the choir
sang Battle Hymn of the Republic" the
congregation assisting in the chorus.
For the Woman's association, Mrs O.
II. Hale presented the service flag to the
church in fitting words, referring to the
boys who have gone and their purpose in
the world struggle At the close of the
presentation, the choir sang True to the
Flag" and this was followed by an in
spring address by the pastor, an address
full of cheer, that sought to inspire in
all spirit of patriotism, one that would
not mourn too much, but would see into
the future and make each person will
ing and ready to do his part at home
| in the carrying on of the war over there.
Appropriately enough, the next I'M
Der on the program was a tenor solo,
"Keep the Home Fires Burning" by Fred
Inglis, and the congregation joined IN
| heartily on the chorus.
As the stars were named, some mem
Der of the family of the young man rep
resented, OF some friend, removed the
small bell which had covered the star un-
| til all the stars stood out clearly on the
field of white, making a pretty sight, and
the number of those who gathered at the
front of the church during the simple,
| but very impressive, service attested to
the fact that very many homes connect
ed with the church felt the heart ache
that comes from letting some boy or
boys from the family leave to go into the
war to fight for the freedom of the
world, and yet, while there necessarily
must be the heart ache, there was also a
feeling of pride that so many young
men from the congregation had been
willing to give their strength and lives,
if need be, that the world might be made
safe.
After the bells had all been removed
| from the stars, and as the choir and con-
gregation were singing America" the
| flag was drawn to its proper place oyer
the platform, where it hangs side by side
with Old Glory.
A dedicatory response followed, with a
prayer of dedication. when Mrs. Gladys
| Bradley sang "The Plains of Peace" and
the service closed with the benedietion.
Six other young men connected with
the church have been accepted for serv-
ice but have not yet been called, and
as they leave for service stars in their
honor will also be added TO the flag.