Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-02-23
TESTIMONIALS
French Govt. Given
Nearest of Kin
OF Augusta Boys Who Made Supreme
Sacrifice in World War-lmpres
sive Services a. City Hall Sunday
Evenirs-Paseant q Feature

At tie Memorial services sunday
evening in City hall held for the pur-
pose Of awarding French war tes,!-
moniais 10 the nearest Of kin Of Az
Sust4 boys who died i'll the Great
War. Mayor Eurleign Martin, in the
course uf his address suggested the
local legion post determine just what
was best for the city 10 erect as -
memorial TO the honored dead
The meeting, which was held under
the direction of James Fitzgerald
Post, No. :. was = complete success.
There was a large gathering in at
tendance. Post Commander Donald G.
Metc2lf presiGcd and able addresses
We're given By Frank Southland. Jo-
seph 4. Croteau, Hon. Is. +. Maher
and he mayor. The pageant scene
near the close of the ceremonies was
beautiful and expressive. tho people
taking part Going their work to per
lection. The tabieaL made q great i'm
preston on the audience. Solos were
given by c. Bryce Little. q veteran Of
the WorlG War who served over
seas in the 18th Pioneer Infantry.
and by Earl r. Hayes. both artists
beinG received enthusiastically. Be-
tween 'hc 'arious addresses. Douglas
orchestra furnished music. Members
Of the G. 4. T. were seated on the
platform.
Tn" meeting was opened with a
short address by Post Commander
Donald c. Me:cah, who said:
Ladies' and gentlemen; families of
our deceased comrades. cx-service
men: We have gathered this evening
!" assist the war department in the
distribution Of the testimonials pre-
scented by our sister republic, the
French government. to the next of
kin from Augusta who died in the
Great War.
The olive drab lines no longer toll
along the muddy roads Of France
The last great offensive has been
pushed TO a decisive victory: the
thunder Of guns has ceased and now
there is oppressive stiffness. Hearts
That yearned for the home land have
realized the furfilment Of that yeorn-
ing.
Inc cycle is thus complete, in little
moro thar two years and a new one be-
gun. The fighting man who came back
in different person than when he went
away as experiences have altered and
r'shaped him. OF the mighty forces
that defeated The Hun there remain in
foreiGn lands those who in the fullness
Of their manhood gave all that mortal
man can give. They accepted the re-
sponsibiiities of an American citizen,
not asking what the cost nigh. be They
went into the fray with the same GAL
Ian. spirit that Names own sons haze
always shown. \ spiri. that Augusta
should and does hold in the deepest
reverance They. our comrades. upheld
the traditions of this and every COM
n1unit meeting their fate as only red
blooded men car. with their faces to-
ward the Hun.
Our comrades are beyond mortal aid
Let each and every one pause in our
daily lives and think of those who IN
foreign soil instill in the minds Of the
rising generations and responsibilities
OF citizenship as eXemplifiej by our own
departed comrades.
Commander Metcalrs speech deeply
thrilled the audience. the truths strik-
ing home. and at its close the applause
showed that the talk had struck a re.
sponsive chord.
Rev. William r. Wood then gave the
invocation. .lr. Woods few words were
full of meaning as he spoke Of the hon
ored dead and of the living heroes.
Mayor 6urIsish Martin
The next speaker was Mayor Bur-
leigh Martin. He said in substance:
The day on which these exercises are
held is most appropriate because il Is
Washington birthday. We recall the
great service Of France during our War
for Independence. The men here went
to repay that debt. 1t is most appro-
pirate because of the Franco.Americaa
citizens. Of which we have no better,
for their service read the honor roll or
the casualty list during the war. He
stated that he wished to make a semi.
ohlcial mention Of suitable memorial
to the boys who never returned. he sus-
gested that the American Legion dis