Evening journal., 1919-01-27

WAR tCdIIcu Eulopo dNohc OAiA iobiiio1
morning to begin the most remarkable
and unique celebration Of the nata,
day OF the Son OF Man In It's history.
Never since the dawn OF Christian civ
ilizatlon which marked that first Christ
mas morn have events Of such tremen-
dous Importance TO mankind precludcd
the anniversary Of that birthday.
From the most remote little town In
France TO the great capitals OF the vic
torious Allied powers; from the small
est seaport to the big cities held by
the armies OF occupation, the men Of
those great armies OF Justice and the
liberated and free peoples Joined In a
common celebration OF the day that was
without precedent. The President OF
the United States reviewed a large force
OF seasoned veterans and every man In
the A. z F. played a part in the events
Of the day.
sorcy,a historic little town In north
eastern France, that dates from Roman
times. where the sch Pioneer Infantry
is stationed was the scen5 Of a beauti-
ful and impressive observance OF the
day. A massive Illuminated Christmas
tree, tons OF presents, a vocal and mu-
slcal program OF rare excellence and
the arrival Of Santa Claus were the bis
features Of the affair.
An open air stage had been erected
on the plaza fronting the church OF 81.
Remi, which dates from the year s2I
Il had been elaborately decorated with
greens and tinsel and the flags Of the
Allies In the corner was a replica of
the familiar open fireplace and chimney
through which Santa was 10 make his
advent on the scene.
Promptly at 2 o'clock in the afternoon
the band and chorus assembled at the
stand with the hundred little tots from
the local school who sang the French
National anthem. The program opened
with "The Star Spangled Banner" with
band and regimental chorus. The sec
ond number was The Marseillaise,
sung by the school children.
Lieutenant Howard A. Davis, chaplain
then offered the invocation, which YVES
followed by the hymn, Lead Kindly
Light" Colonel J. Warner Reed, CON-
msndlng ofilcer OF the regiment, then
extended his Christmas greetings and
paid a feeling tribute to the men for
the splendid manner In which they had
performed their various tasks.
Private Leon Wood then gave an ex-
hibition OF clog dancing which was fnl-
lowed by band and chorus In the rem
dition Of MY Belgian Rose" The
'Mlserere" from III Trovatore" wh.ch
was given as a trombone solo by Ser
geant Charles Fox, was much appr5c:-
ated. The regimental band eXcelled In
the next number, the most popular
French march air, "Sombre ct Meuse."
Sergeant Jules Dason was then heard II
a p.ceolo solo Of unusual merit, lie
Secret The band and chorus were
heard TO advantage In "Adesta Fidelis.'
Private Bert Faivre made a fine i'm
preston with "I'm Sorry | Made Yod
Cry" sang as a tenor solo. This was
followed by a baritone solo by musi-
clan Edwin ]. Hosfleld. The sacred song
"Holy Night" by band and chorus,
which was the next number was one
Of the gems OF the program. Home
ward Bound" was Justify sung by the
chorus. The popular favorite, Sousa' s
march air, THE Stars and Stripes For
over" concluded the program.
The space 10 front OF the stand was
packed with a solid mass OF French
women and children and soldiers OF the
French and our army. Following the
singing Of "The Marseillaise," Santa
Claus In the person Of Captain J. B.
Bush, Reg,mental Adjutant made his ap-
pearance. A great shout and the wsv-
ing Of hundreds OF little hands well
coined the good old gentleman. The
children took Santa right TO the;.
hearts ard II soon became almost Inn
possible for him 10 move among them
When Santa succeeded in climbing TO
the stage the big surprise for the little
ones was un,olded Each child received
a beautiful l.ttle medal and box OF
chocolates. II seemed as though there
was 10 be no end 10 the distribution
for Santa had brought such a goOdly
supply that practically every child re-
ceived a second box. As Santa left The
scene, a great shout went up, and II l:
certain, Sorcy's future citizens will new
er forget that Christmas day.
The splendid success OF the days
events was due, in a large measure, 10
The untlring efforts OF the general com
mittee, which, under the leadership q
Lieutenant Colonel J. Austin Ellison
had worked for many days and nights
TO achieve this result. With Col0ne
Ellison on this committee were Cap
tslns James w. Cannon, Jesse G. Mo
Kay, David NJ. Salter and Lieutenants
William T. Turner and Howard a