Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-05-31
FAIRFIELD

Rev. E. NJ. Holman Delivers
Memorial Day Address on
'The New Patriotism and
Its Responsibilities Local
News Items
Very appropriate Memorial Day
exercises were carried out here yes
terday when the members Of the G..
A. r., Sons of Veterans. returned SOL
Lodge assembled at the G. A. r. hall
and went from there to Benton by a
special car. where the usual exercis-
es were carried out there. They re-
turned at about u o'clock and a Sc
lection was rendered by the band at
the corner Of Main and Lawrence
avenue before they went to the hall.
where dinner was served by the
members of the w. f. c. At 1870
the school children met at the North
Grammer school and the Boy Scouts
at the Park, going from there to
Main street. where they joined the
G.. A. r.. W. r. G. Sons of Veterans.
returned soldiers and band, to go to
the bridge where short services were
held in memoriam of those who Of
fered there lives on the water. They
reformed their lines and marched to
the cemetery. where the soldiers
graves were decorated and prayer
said. The march was continued to
the Park. where the Monument was
decorated as usual and they then
went to the Star Theater. where Rev.
l.. NJ. Holman delivered the following
address on The New Patriotism and
IT'S Responsibilities"
Comrades, Veterans. Sons Of Vet
Grams. Soldiers of Our National Army
Relief Corps and fellow citizens Of
Fairfield we come together today af-
ter the conclusion of a great war.
which has tested the metal of our
nation and all the nations Of the
world. The Allies are triumphant
but they have paid the utmost price
price precious life blood.
THE American soldier has ever
held conspicuous place in shaping
the destiny of this great Republic.
In 1916 he gained for us the distinc-
ton of an independent nation. In
1872 he defeated a stubborn foe on
land and sea. In 1898 at the call of
this country he marched to the help
of the stricken and benighted island
of Cuba and delivered her from tyr
amy and oppression. In 1917 he
was called forth to defend the liber-
ties of the world. AS think of
Concord. Lexington, Bennington. Sar-
atoga. Lake Erie, The Wilderness.
Chatean-Thiery and Sedan my heart
swells with just pride and 1 lay my
tribute of gratefulness at the feet Of
the American Soldier.
THE American home has been one
of bliss during this period of stress
and trial and faithful prayers have
gone up to God for the success of
our arms on land and sea The faith
ers and mothers have not shirked re-
sponsibility but rather they have pa
tiently borne the added burden, that
the world at last might be set free.
All honor and praise to the American
Mother. who has given her unflag-
ging energies and herself to the
cause of liberty.
THE American Flag is the great
symbol Of our unity and solid solid
arity. In peace it stands for justice.
truth and liberty. In war it stands
for strength and victory. The world
knows and surely Germany under
stands that the triumphant banner
protects our own and the free peoples
Of the earth. There is room in this
country for only one flag. one undi-
vided Americanism, one soul loyalty.
Why America Entered the Great War
The sinking of the Lusitania and
the resumption of unrestricted sub
marine warfare. were the immediate
causes Of our entrance into the war.
Germany in the wanton destruction
Of fife. hurled the challenge to us
from across the Atlantic. but the day
that we accepted the only alternative
of war. and took our stand in the
battle line that demon Of Prussia nism
was defeated.
Americas Part in the Great Conflict
"The moment that we entered the
war, we were thoroughly unprepared
in both the army and navy to fight
a war $500 miles from home. Our
first duty was to put everything in
readiness. We made two enrollments
of the entire nation in which 23.456.-
621 men were registered.
''Thirty-two training camps such as
Camp Devens were established and
popular loans raised. The morale of the
army was preserved by organizations
such as the Y. NJ. g. A., Red Cross. K.
Of e. and Salvation Army. ] shall now
sreak briefly of our military operations
in France. When the armistice was
signed on Nov. II. 1918. we had 100000
men with the colors and 2.5oO. 900 of these
were in France. The illustrious Marine
Corps so distinguished themselves at
Belleau Wood that the French have re-
named it 'Bois De Brigade"
The Treaty and League Of Nations
Such review as this would be
wholly inadequate without some def
mite statement regarding the Peace
Treaty and League of Nations. This Is
doubtless the most famous document in