Imperial Valley press., 1920-11-12
THOUSA NOS
IN bRAWLEY
0bSER vE
HOLIDAY
Commander Fits Speaks
Tenderly of Fallen Com
rades in Flanders Fields;
Races at HuddlestOn Park
Attract Large Crowd.

Imperial Valley turned cut en-
masse yesterday at Brawley to wit
ness the second anniversary of the
signing CT the ArTistice which
brought to a close the greatest war
of the ages.
The appearance Of Commander Bu-
ron S. Fits, of Los Angeles, head of
the state department Of the American
Legion at the celebration added to it
a spirit and air that would not have
otherwise been SHOWN. Fits can
celled an engagement in the northern
part of the state at the suggestion of
Walter Kibbey of Ell Centre, to come
to the valley and he was given a re-
ception long to be remembered.
Commander Fits arrived in FL Cen
tro On the morning train and was me;
by delegation Of local American Le
gion members. With the Commander
were a number of Legionaires from the
northern part of the valley, who had
boarded the train at Calipatria, Braw-
ley and Imperial. At o'clock break
fast was served att the Barbara Worth
hotel and nearly 200 were present.
Following the breakfast machines fell
in line and formed parade to Braw-
ley, arriving there at 1920.
Another parade formed at the Dun
lack hotel and traversed the town ter
minating at the Plaza where the
speaking Of the day was held. Com
mander Fits said, To-day We are
gathered for a purpose that has the
dignity and tenderness of funeral rites
without its sadness. We meet to honor
anew with sweet and tender memories
those of our comrades VINO have pr
the supreme sacrifice in the greatest
test Of all mankind.
"Without distinction of nationality,
race, rank or religion, they gave their
lives in order that the principles of
liberty, democracy and justice upon
which our nation rests might live ever
lastingly; and let US now, without DIS
tinction of nationality, race, rank or
religion, garland their memory with
sweet and tender thoughts. The lit
tie distinctions of rank that separated
US in the service o'e nothing here for
death has made the same brevet of
Us ALL"
Commander Fits flayed the practice
of picture bride" marriages, alien
land holdings and un-American activ-
tiles throughout the country. He made
public the stand the American Legion
has taken on these questions, as "true
ly American and staunch supporter
of any movement for the advancement
of any American interests"
A number Of floats had been con-
structed for event and the parade was
one of the most spectacular affairs
held in Brawley. Captain P. l.. He'd
rick, former president of the Brawley
Post led He was followed by Com
mander Fits ard the presidents of the
posts of the valley. Then came the city
officials, with Mayor Roy Stilgenbauer
The Elks' band of Ell Centre furnished
the music of the day. The fire depart
ment made very good showing W.
Chief Koon and Captain Dabney in
charge. The public school and the
business girls clubs each were repre-
sented by float, together with the
American Legion members of each
post in thc valley.
At II o'clock the silent tribute was
given at the speakers stand by Chap
lain George A. Hartman, of Ell Centre.
Following the services, the barbecue
was held in the grounds opposite the
plaza, and it is estimated that between
1000 and 5000 people were fed.
The remainder of the program was
held at Huddleston Park under the
auspices of the Brawley Post and the
management of the Fairgrounds.
The automobile race, the matched
horse race and jumping Overland all
aided in passing the day away. There
was dancing afternoon at Huddleston
Park under the auspices of the Braw-
ley Post and the management of the
Fairgrounds.
Continued on page 2.)