Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-07-24
THE SERVICE FLAG
Secretary Ernst Says II should BE De-
modified in Proper Manner

"Burlingtonans should demobize the
service flag in proper manner" said
c. f. Ernst. secretary for the war camp
community service in this city, in an
interview with Free Press reporter yes
terday. The following program is being
generally followed throughout Massa-
chusetts and other States, and it is the
secretarys desire that it should be taken
up in this city. He said:
I'VE all remember with what respect
and devotion we made the service flag
and with what pride we unfurled it to
the eyes of our neighbors and friends.
The same spirit thu inspired Betsy Ross
permeated through 10 every mansion and
cottage of our country. Schools. churches,
fraternal organizations, stores and fac
tories proudly displayed the stars which
sgnified the enrolment of members in
the great service of humanity.
Where are these service flags now?
Are we honoring them with the same
devotion which we did when they SYM
bolized our absent men?
THE service flag has a personality.
1t is a definite, concrete, touching
emblem of the service and the sacrifice
that the men of America have made for
the preservation of the world. 1t would
| De not only Il PITY, put Il Icai ioSS IL IL
should gradually disappear, weather
beaten, tattered and unnoticed.
1.-The service flag has been the one cen
trail emblem that has represented the
sons, the brothers. the fathers and the
sweethearts of those who have remained
behind. In many ways it is flag fully
as symbolical as the flag that has been
fought for and that now rests in our
| he a
to be preserved and cherished. Eyes
WITHOUT number have looked upon the
| flags and have seen in the stars those
who have gone to battle. The gold stars
stand out as the emblem of the supreme
sacrifice.
1--WE would be derelict II we did not
assist in any movement for the preserva-
ton OF the service flag, in its dignity
and in It's symbolism.
| IAN idea which has found favor
throughout the country is the demobili-
| cation of the service flag. When the
man returns home from service his par
ents invite his friends and neghbors tc
a little gathering at which program
similar to the following is carried out:
America: ten minutes of singing
ten minutes welcome home address by
n civilian neighbor; ten minutes response
by service man; solo; ten minutes o.
general singing; Is seconds of silen
tribute to the men who have fallen
rehabilitation of the service flag stars
singing, Home. Sweet Home and The
Star Spangled Banner
1.-THE actual rehabilitation consists II
placing a gold stripe across that service
star which represents the returned man
Churches and organizations. factories
and stores are holding these services
once a month where the men are re
turning two or three at a time.
when the stars Of the flag are al
demobilized then the flag should be taker
indoors and given an appropriate place
on the walls of the home. church, clui
or store The small flags are easil,
framed Do not make new service tal
even though the weather has faded o
torn the old flag. The original service tial
is the one which contains all those heart
aches and prayers for safe-keepinl
which you uttered each day as you gaze'
at the flag
'War camp community service viii
gladly help anybody, parents, manufac
turers and storekeepers, to prepare
suitable Rehabilitation program in honor
OF the service flag. Further inquiries
concerning the service flag ceremony anC
applcaDons for song sheets will be wei
coined at the headquarters at 14s Church
street"