The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1919-04-04
BEMIDJE CITIZENS
HONOR SOLDIERS
RETURNED FROM
MILITARY SERVICE

Proud and happy were Bemidji's
soldier boys who have returned from
Aaailitary service last night, for they
were guests of honor at celebration
planned by the city's citizens that
they might learn what great pleasure
their return has caused and that
they could be made to fully realize
the extent Of pride and appreciation
that the home folks take in &C
knowledging the debt they owe for
the wonderful part the young men of
this vicinity have taken in the world
struggle just brought to such sue
cessful ending.
The soldiers, sailors and marines,
more than $50 Of them, lined up in
company formation before the Army
and Navy club at the command of
Captain Hallan L. Huffman, and fol-
lowing the Bemidji military band
they were escorted to the Markham
hotel where an elaborate banquet,
prepared under the direction of Earl
Byer, manager. was served.
Three Splendid Talks.
Following the dinner w. G. Boil
= com, superintendent Of schools, who
resided, told Of his appreciation at
heing granted the privilege of part1-
cipating in such an occasion. He
then called upon the speakers of the
evening, Graham M. Torrance and
, Attorney P. J. Russell and Rev.
Lester P. Warford, who because of
his active work as head of the Be-
midi Red Cross had been asked to
be one of the guests. The talks were
splendid and brought to the heart of
every soldier present a feeling of
pride that he had gone forth to do
what he could for the sake of demo-
cracy. g.
Have Taught Patriotism
1--WE honor you," said Mr.. Tor
rance, mot only for your PERSONAL
sacrifices and personal services in
r this, the greatest war the world has
ever known, not only for the fact
, that you have won a glorious victory
and glorihed our flag and all the
principles 1t represents, but also be-
cause, by your personal example you
taught to over a hundred millions OF
; our people the meaning OF true pa
triotism. That patriotism that
leaves, at an immeasurable distance
below, all personal interests and feel
ings, and animates and prompts to
deeds of self-scacrifice, of valor, of
devotion, and of death itself,-that
is.the true type of patriotism you
I've taught us by your personal ex-
ample And learning this lesson we
6 appreciate, as we never did before,
the true value and worth of Ameri-
can citizenship, of what it really
means, of what 1t has cost in blood
and treasure in the past, and in this
present day.
"And so you have saved, not only
this nation, but you have implanted
in our he"rts new spirit OF patriot
ism that has made us a new people
in thought and action, with broad
er vision for the future, a keener
sense of appreciation for the wonder
full blessings we have so thoughtless-
ly enjoyed in the past. This true
spirit of patriotism has cemented to-
gether our people so that we will
never need to fear a foreign foe, and
who may plot dissention from within.
$50 in this spirit, realizing the
debt of gratitude we owe to you, we
welcome you home again. We want
you to have the best good times it
is right for any one to have, and we
feel that we honor ourselves in be-
ing permitted to honor and enter
: tain you
sasMr. Torrance admonished the SOL
diers to the necessity of their taking
. an active part in public affairs and
he said, THAT as you respond to the
call of your country in the time of
her peril, so will you respond to that
call in every instance where the well
, fare Of your country expects and
needs that full measure. Of service.
From now on American citizenship
will have new meaning. the word
loyalty will have a depth of signi-
ficance not formerly thoroughly un-
= derstood and this country will be in
/ truth and in fact, America for Loyal
Americans, for no one else, and for
ever"
Lost His Opportunity.
Rev. Warford told the boys that
the capacity OF a speaker, but merely
as a representative Of the Red Cross
to offer the blessing, but SO strong
was the military spirit of the oc-
casion that when Captain Huffman
said Seats" he lost his opportunity
Mr.. Warford said:
II appreciate the opportunity of
expressing a greeting to you men.
There are three most important
periods in mans life-When he is
. born, and when he is married. and
when he dies. take it that there
are three most important periods in
the life of a soldier-The period Of
going forth, the period of achieve
---ent, and the period of his return.
Il think I know something of the
spirit of the going forth although l
had no part in it myself. know it
because 1 was able to read it in your
eyes as you parted at the home sta
ton from all that You held dear I