Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-02-23
SOLEMN SERVICES.
Continued from page I

"Again your State gives mcuestiy
faint token Of appreciation in the medal
struck by authority Of your General
Assembly. Slight expression for the
honor indeed, but for such as given by
your sons or kin can i'll be depicted in
material form. Bronze, marble, certlfi-
Gates Of honor, shafts Of glory fail utterly.
| Only by our thought of the ideal which
| inspired them, only by the energy dis
| played. only by the devotion given can
we truly approach the honor they de-
| serve.
As David Snellenburg unveiled the
| tablet inscribed with the names OF the
men from New Castle County who made
the sacrifice. he said that we should never
| forget the spirit of 1917, and what these
| heroes went over there for--that they died
for us and now let us live for them. As he
said these words he drew aside the veil
from the tablet and disclosed the names
of the men.
mander of the American Legion, told OF
his appreciation of the fact that the
most Of the comrades of the deceased were
able to return. He spoke of the stand
the American Legion would take to per-
pet,late the cause for which these men
gave their lives.
A letter from Franklin D'Olier, National
Commander of the Legion, was read by
William T. Turner, commander OF Della
ware Pest No. 1.
The program opened with the playing OF
the ''Nlarsesllase,' by the orchestra OF
Delaware Post. This was followed with
America sung by the audience. Rev.
George G. Williams, State Chaplain,
delivered the opening prayer, after which
Rabbi David Swiren read several pas
sages from the Scriptures.
A ouartette, composed of Miss Helen
Sewer. Miss Lillian Monck, Matthew
Petticrew and Joseph McCullin, rem
dered several songs. A tableau depicting
Frances appreciation to America was
portrayed by Misses Helen Tllghman,
Dorothy Pidgeon, Frances Smith, Alma
farrell, Rebecca Sheldon and Emina
Steptoe.
The program was concluded with the
benediction by Rev. j. +. Tucker after
he had spoken praise for several branches
of the army and the navy.
NATIONWIDE CELEBRATION.
1t was big nationwide celebration of
Washington's Birthday, yesterday, con-
Quoted by the American Legion posts
throughout the country IN connection with
the distribution to the next of kin of the
American soldiers and sailors who died IN
the war of over a hundred thousand
French certificates. Appropriate exercises
were held IN connection with the bestowal
of these certificates of honor and esteem
on the part of the French people. The
programs included addresses by mayors,
local clergymen, and other prominent
citizens. A message from Franklin
D'Oler, national commander of the
American Legion, read at each assembly
was as follows:
Fellow Citizens: II is an exceptional
honor TO be privileged to address YOU upon
this occasion which calls to the mind of
every living man and woman-yes, and
child. too-the valiant deeds that were
performed by Americas 5 illustrious sons in
the cause Of liberty and justice. This day
it is fitting that while commemorating the
birth of our first President, we also review
afresh those heroes, who, in the line Of
duty, gave to the world st large, their own
lives in order that others might live.
while expressing their appreciation
to the living. the French High Commits
sion, at therirection of the French govern
ment, desires our government TO extend
to the nearest relative, through the Ameri-
can Legion in cooperation with the War
and Navy Departments. assurance of
their unfsiling memory of the fallen, in
token of which. the French government
presents to YOU the certificates of honor.
This day the peoples of two republics
mourn with YOU and turning to you IN
reverence and admiration, offer to you
what measure OF consolation Is theirs 10
give. | am reminded of that day IN
June, 1917, when the first contingent of
American Expeditionary Forces arrived
In France, and OF the first cheers that
arose like cry of relief from the men,
women and children OF that great republic,
of how, upon his arrival In Paris, our
esteemed commander In chief, General
Pershing, visited the grave of the French
general Of 1776, and, echoIng the lasting
gratitude of the American people, as a
pledge for the future, said Lafayette,
VIC are herei" So today, 10 voicing to you
the sympathy and coincidence Of every
member of the American Legion, this
organization whose greatness OF purpose
is as truly great as its membership, /
would say TO YOU, Fathers, mothers, we
are here" We are here united IN purpose,
not only TO preserve on such an occasion
as this, as well as for all time, the memories
and incidents of our association IN the
great war We are here TO commemorate,
forever, the deeds of the dead as well as
the living and most Of all to see TO 1T that
what your dear ones fought and died for,
whose sacrifices secured the victory, shall
always be preserved, protected and
cherished.
Franklin D'Oiier,
National Commander"