The Mankato free press., 1920-06-18
STORIES FROM VERNON
BEAUTIFUL FLAG DAY SER
VICES WERE HELD
Fred e. Hadley Delivered the
Address; the w. G. T. v.
Convention

Delavan and Vernon Center which
were held at this place Sunday af-
ternoon in honor of members who
served in the world war, were a sue
cess from every point of view. The
opening service was held at the
church which was beautifully deco
rated with flowers, ferns and flags,
when high mass was celebrated with
special music by the choir, assisted
by S. Wasserman on the violin.
Father William Colbert delivered a
stirring patriotic sermon to an at
tentive audience which included his
parishioners from all three churches.
Dinner was served afterward in the
church hall, where seats for eighty
were provided. These being filled
four times, SO that more than three
husdred people partook OF the delici-
Gus dinner prepared by the ladies of
St Mathews Altar society. The din
ing room was lovely In flowers and
vines, the national colors forming a
prominent part in the decorations.
The guests of honor at the dinner
were the service men and the one
Red Cross nurse, and those who took
part in the program. During the in
terval between the dinner and the
afternoon program the Winnebago
band and Fife and Drum corps gave
an hours delightful concert on the
beautiful lawn of Mr.. and Mrs. H. c.
Kraus where a large crowd from the
surrounding country had gathered.
the grounds were artistically decorat-
ed with flags and buntings, a great
banner being in evidence over the
speakers stand. This program of
music was greatly enjoyed and the
citizens here are very appreciative Of
the generosity of these two musical
organizations, whose services were
donated for the occasion. The Of
fetal program began at 3 o'clock.
Father Colbert presided. In an elo-
quent opening address Father Col
bert paid tribute to the members of
his congregations who has served in
the Great war, in whose honor this
celebration was held He said that
they were worthy successors Of a
long line, of Catholic patriots whose
loyalty and devotion to their country
had shown forth brilliantly since the
days when Charles Carroll of Car
rollton had proudly affixed his name
to the Declaration of Independence.
In honoring these members of our
own faith the speaker further stated
that we also hcnorcd all those of
other creedS who had made a like
sacrifice for the cause OF liberty. He
dwelt upon the precious right held
sacred to all Americans, freedom of
conscience and emphasized the gicat
value of community spirit where
neighbors of all beliefs work love-
ingly and harmuniously together In
closing Father Colbert extended n
hearty welcome to members OF other
religious denominations who were
present. Community singing. led by
Miss Perrizo OF Delavan, followed.
after which Maria Sanford's Apos-
trophe to the Flag was most credit
ably given by Miss Eleanor Mack.
The musical program which followed
consisted OF a qua rtet from ST.
Mathews church composed of Mrs.
Thomas Caven, Mrs. Ii. c. Kraus and
Messrs Anton and Frank 2feffer. with
Miss Gladys Cooper at the piano; a
duet by Misses Faktor and Lair of
Winaebago; violin solos by Miss
Ovidia -Trembly of Delavan and S.
Wasserman of Vernon and a song by
st. Mary's choir, Delavan, each mum
Der of which was delightfully."- rend-
cred and in spite of the heat of the
day many encores were called for
Father Colbert then introduced the
speaker of the day, Mr. Fred e. Had
ley of Winnebago, paying high trib-
ute to his patriotism and stating that
the audience was about to listen to a
future governor of Minnesota, a re-
mark which elected hearty applause.
Mr.. Hadley before launching into his
address. in turn paid deserved trib-
ute to Father Colbert, who during
the past week, terminated twenty
five years of service in the priesthood
and spoke of the love and high es
TEEN in which he was held by both
TatI ols n.
commended his loyalty and patriotism
during the war and the splendid
community service he had rendered
always stating that he hoped that
Father Colbert would celebrate his
Golden Jubilee among us. The
speaker then called attention to the
fact that the country is facing a great
national crisis, that the unrest we
are experiencing due to the turbu-
lence Of certain factions is a menace
far worse than the great war through
which we have just passed. He de-
nounced In no uncertain terms Boil
shevism, l. w. w. ism and Townley-
ism, saying that the Nonpartisan
league in identifying itself with these
movements which seek to destroy
not only the family and religion but
to overthrow our glorious constitu-
tion and substitute for it the soviet
government Of Russia, is no better
than they and that all loyal citizens
nould turn out at the polls June 81
an ddefeat this menace to the pulic.
Mr.. Hadley said we needed 100 per
cent Americanism now if ever, and
defined 1t is as belonging to anyone
descended in a direct line from the
early Pilgrims or to him just arrived
from foreign shore, who accepted
the principals of democracy that
America stood 4 for. In words of
glowing eloquence the speaker eulo-
gized the flag, tribute so beautiful
that 1t would be well if every school
boy memorized 1t as a permanent in
centive to patriotism. In closing an
appeal was made to all to hold UP as
an ideal to attain one country, one
language and one flag. Father Col
bert then explained that much to his
disappointment the bronze memorial
tablets had failed to arrive in time
for the dedication. but that they later
would be put in place and asked that
all join in closing the exercises with
The Star Spangled Banner. Here a
part not in the program was inserted
a surprise to Father Colbert, when
Mr.. Hines of eDlavn stepped forward
and in recognition of the anniversary
just past, paid tribute in the name of