The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1919-10-03
HONE COM|Nc SERVICE
RECEPTION WAS GIVEN AT
The SWEDISH CHURCH
Pleasing Program Carried Out;
Music, Sung and Addresses
Were Features

I The various societies of the Swed-
ish Lutheran churches CT Mankato,
Julson ard Belgrade, united last ey-
ening in giving y home coming re-
ception for their returned soldiers
and nurses at the church in this
city. Over two hundred people were
present.
The church was attractivcly dec
Grated with profusion OF flags, bunt-
ing and autumn foliage.
All are back except Miss Florence
]. Nelson, who is still a nurse in the
navy hospital at Mare Island. Cal.
An informal program was opened
by Rev. O. J. Arthur, who in we'll
chosen words welcomed the soldiers
and nurses home. The audience then
sang America" accompanied by the
orchestra. Two OF the returned men
were then called on 10 speak. Victor
Carlson. who was first lieutenant in
The army, gave an outline Of his army
exDcricnce, which he stated seemed
10 consist mainly of drilling raw re-
cruits from twelve to sixteen hours
daily.
Address Ely Harry Johnson.
Harry Johnson opened his speech
IN 4 numerous way. He left here
TIC last of April and landed in
franco in June. About that time
the Germans started their retreat and
kept it UP he stated. People at hong
reading their papers heaved q con-
tented sigh, saying, well, | see
johnson got there" Coming lack to
! more serious talk Mr.. Johnson in
.Chalf Of the service men thanked
The cation for their efforts in
backing up the soldiers, all those
who were members OF and worked
for. the Red Cross and especially
those who by kindly deeds and cheer
ing words made life brighter Tor the
loved ones the men LETT behind. Re-
ferring to the gold stars on the Serr~
ice flag he stated he believed a tic
existed between the living and the
dead and he liked to believe that the
spirits of these absent ones were with
US rejoicing on this occasion. When
you feel the spirit Of hatred and
RANGER enter your heart, he said, re-
member that these boys died that
the world may be q better place to live
in and by consecrating your lives 10
nobler and better thoughts and deeds
you pay 4 tribute Ia those Vino made
the supreme sacrifice.
Mrs oscar Anderson's orchcstrs OF
fifteen pieces played several selec-
, tons during the evening.
Songs BY c. e. Brcdeson.
y c. C. Bredeson sang tlless special
pence edition OF "The Kud OF Per
feet naye He responded to an en-
core with Rocked in the Cradle of
the Deep" in which his beautiful
BARITONE voice was at its best. Later
in the evening Ey special request he
again sang THE End of a Perfect
Day"
i Rev o. j. Arthur read the follow
Ing telegram from st. Paul. please
convey lc the reception comrnittee
for turight my sincere regret over
inability to lie present on this great
occasion. | appreciate very highly
tine honor extended to me in thts in
vitation and join you all most hearth
ly in thought and coed wishes. May
God comfort those who stand oe-
| reavcd and may He protect our be-
loved country and spare it frGn1 flu
turc bloodshed ]. Magnuson."
Hiss Magnuson served the army as
Red Cross nurse. |
I After the program delicious
lunch was served by the Ladies Aid
and the ladies Of the Luther league.
The committee in charge Of the re-
ceptiCn was composed of the Off
GERS OF the Ladies Aid. The Lutheran
Brotherhood and The Luther league.
In tho near future it is proposed to
erect memorial tablet in the chu.cn
with the names Of the service men
and nurses. @Y