Milford chronicle., 1919-02-14
By Pvt. Philip A. Steinbach, Co. B.
59th Pioneer Inf

BY Pvt. Philip A. Steinbach, Co. B
59th Pioneer Inf
War SCARED Europe awOke Christ
mas morning to begin the most re-
uarkable and unique celebration OF
the natal day of the Son OF Man in its
history. Never since the dawn OF
Christian civilization which marked
That first Christmas. morn, have events
OF such tremendous Importance to
mankind precluded the anniversary OF
mat birthday.
From the most remote little town in
France TO the great capitals of the
victorious Allied powers; from the
smallest seaport to the big cities held
by the armies of occupation, the men
OF those great armies OF justice and
he liberated and free peoples Joined
in a common celebration of the day
that was without precedent. The Pres
idenf Of the United States reviewed
large force OF seasoned veterans and
every man in the A. f. F. played
part in the events Of the day.
SOrcy, historic little town in north
eastern France. that dates from Roman
zines. where the 59th Pioneer Infan-
icy is stationed was the scene of
beautiful and impressive observance
0t the day. A massive Illuminated
Christmas tree. tons OF presents, a
vocal and musical program of rare
excellence, and the arrival of Santa
Claus were the big features of the
affair
An open air stage had been erected
on the plaza fronting the church of
ST. RCli. which dates from the year
S27. Ii had been deliberately decorat-
ca with greens and tinSel and the flags
of the Allies. In the corner was a
replica OF the familiar open fire place
and chimney. through which Santa was
t1 make his advent on the scene.
Promptly at o'clock in the after /
y3Cn the band and chorus assembled /
a. the stand with the hundred little /
lots from the local school, who sang
the French National anthem. The pro- 4
gram opened with The Star Spangled I
Banner" with band and reg:mental
c .0rus. The second number was The
Narseillaise," sung by the school chill
dren.
It, Howard A. Davis, chaplain then
o1ered the invocation, which was fol-
lowed by tile hymn, Lead Kindly
Light Col J. Warner Reed. COM
officer Of the regiment, then
his Christmas greetings and
paid feeling tribute to the men for
the splendid manner in which they
rad performed their various tasks.
Pvt. Leon Wood of B Company then
gave an exhibition OF clog dancing,
which was followed by band and Choir
a. in rendition of My Belgian Rose"
The "Miserere from I'll TrOyatOre."
which was given as a trombone solo !
by Sgt Charles Fox, was much appre-
o.ated. The regimental band excelled /
IN the next number, the most popular
French march air "Sombre ct Meuse"
sgt. Jules Dawson was then heard in
p piccOlO solo of unusual merit lie ]
Secret" The band and chorus were ;
heard to advantage in "Adesta Fede-
lis"
Pvt. Bert Faivre made a fine impress
sion with I'm Sorry I Made You Cry, {
sung as a tenor solo. This was fol-
owed by a baritone solo by Musician 5
Edwin J. HOsfield The sacred song, !
Holy Night" by band and chorus,
which was the next number, was one I
u the gems Of the program. Home
yard Bound" was Justify sung by the /
horus. The popular favOrite, Sousas
march air, The Stars and Stripes For Il
ver," concluded the program
The space in front of the stand was I
.acked with a solid mass of French I
lomen and children and soldiers of a
he French and our army. Following
he singing OF THE Marseillaise"
anita Claus, in the person of Capt. ].
}. Bush, Regimental Adjutant, made a
is appearance. A great shout and the n
aving Of hundreds of little hands well
omed the good old gentleman. The
iildren took Santa right to their v
carts and it soon became almost i'm o
Ossible for him to move among them. G,
When Santa succeeded in climbing a,