Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1919-05-22
GOVERNOR BILBO
ANNOUNCES DATES
Issues Proclamation Naming Dates OI
Drive lOc Funds to Erect Me-
mortal Building.

jackson, Miss, May 2l.-On The
eve OF the arrival in mississippi OF the
first contingent en- masse OF MlsslS-
sippi soldiers from overseas service,
composed of some 400 men about to
be finally demobilized at Camp Shell
by, Gov. Bilbo has prepared an offl-
cial declaration or proclamation, IN
order to officially and formally an
nounce the organization OF a Mlssls-
sippi Memorial Association, and to de-
clare the significance of that or
ganization.
Incidentally, when the troop train
bearing the contingent of replace
ment troops, formerly the l55th In
fantry, which was built up !. ON the
provisional formation of the old First
Mississippi, reaches jackson, on It's
way from Camp Dix to Camp Shelby,
the men under Maj. Hale will find a
warm welcome awaiting them. This
will be at some time Monday after
noon, and, weather permitting, will
be held in the open air, following
preliminary parade. :
Coming back to Gov. Bilbo and the
state memorial movement, the follow
ing is his proclamation, designating
June 26 to July 5 as memorial week,
and Sunday, June 20, as memorial
Sunday.
."ro the People of Mississippi:
From the greatest war OF all the
ages America and her allies have
emerge.. W .orious and triumphant.
Providence mas crowned our crusade
for huerty, mstice and democracy
with success. Our victory over re-
sourceful, ruthless and grasping des-
potism is absolute and complete.
.'The two most potent factors in
this great struggle have been our
army and navy.
"The patriotic, brave and loyal sons
of Mississippi responded with eager
ness and alacrity to the call to arms
and rendered long-to-be-remembered
valorous service in making victory
possible. Wars hardships and suffer-
ings had no terrors for them. They
fought as veterans side by side with
those Of England, France, Belgium,
Italy and other Of our allies. Many
have not and can never return to US.
They sleep today in foreign CHIMES
They made the supreme sacrifice on
the altar of their country. Those wht
come back to US from the fearfu
scenes of conflict return with sense
of duty well done and the conscious
ness of having done and dared al
that men could do and dare.
| "It is most fitting that Mississippi
should recognize the service and sac
rice of it's patriotic sons. They ar
lenshrined in our hearts and we shoult
also erect a fitting and lasting me
mortal for the present and all futur
generations to reverence, cherish ant
respect.
Feeling that the people OF Mlssls
| sippi recognize this, now, therefore,
Theo. G. Bilbo, governor OF the Stat
of Mississippi, do hereby declare tn
week from June 26 to July 5, 1919, a
memorial week.
"During that time the citizens Q
our state will be called upon to con
tribute generously to fund that WI
: make the erection of suitable stat
memorial possible.
Il do also declare Sunday, June 2:
to be memorial Sunday, as day upo
which all communities shall unite
; memorial service to honor their dea
: and to lift their voices in gratitude !
God for those of our sons returned !
us victorious.
"In testimony whereof ! have herr
unto set my hand and caused Il
great seal Of the State Of Mississippi
: to be affixed this the 17th day
: May, A. p. 1919. s.e.s S, as
.'THEo. @. BILBo..
d "By the governor:
Jos. W. POWER, Secretary
y state.
VI Mr.. Robert 4. Tomlinson has be-
appointed local chairman and it is
i lbe hoped that every assistance and 9
r operation will be given this wortl
cause during the drive for funds.