The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1920-03-04

these lies to the cross of sacrifice. We
rekindled the fires of patriotism and
showed again the courage of men of
peace. A curious evidence of reneyed
patriotism is shown In the wave of
righteous intolerance against treason
that swept over the country since the
Armistice. Abuses of the privileges of
free speech have aroused storms OF In
dignant protest. Revived love for Am
erican institutions and principles has
made US sensitive to attacks upon our
government.
You, relatives Of those who paid the
supreme sacrifice, should lift your heads
high. Your grief is badge Of honor.
You have the love and respect of all
true American citizens. Millions of 9TH
ers made the sacrifice potentially, but
you actually. We bare our heads to you
In reverent Acknowledgement of our in
debtedness. Our hearts 90 out to you
your glorious pride. that you paid for
in sympathy and with you we rejoice In
this wondrous achievements of America
In the World War. You may boast that
1t was your sacrifice that has renewed
the fires of patriotism, that has welded
together mass of peoples into the Am
erican nation; that it was you and yours
that made possible the wonderful future
of a democratic republic. Your heritage
is Americas future.
you for the service you rendered to their
stricken country, grateful for the main
tenance of ideals of brotherhood, of
democracy, of peace, and sends you this
memorial. 1t is but scrap Of paper,
valuable only in it's significance, valu-
able only to men who can appreciate it's
ideals, valuable only to comrades united
in common purpose 1t Is a message
of the republic of France to the republic
of America. 1t is the heart Of the cit
liens of France, wrenched and torn by
similar sacrifice, speaking to the hearts
of citizens of America. 1t Is the spirit
of the people of France rejoicing with
the spirit of the people of America in
the exemplary achievements.
The certificate bears an engraving
showing the Spirit Of America bearing
aloft the torch of liberty and justice
and in her right hand holding naked
sword, ready for instant use in defense
Of the rights Of the depressed. Beneath
the protection of the sword Is kneel-.
ing woman with babe and beside her
kneeling boy, praying and giving
thanks for deliverance. At the right of
the Spirit of America stands veteran
in full armor symbolical of military
forces At the left of the main figure
stands Glory browning the Spirit of Am
erica. In the lower corner to the left
is the bent figure of a man chained and
shackled, signifying victory over our
enemies. About the group is the Spirit
of Victory proclaiming peace with the
American eagle perching upon the STAN
dard At the bottom the tri-color and
the Stars and Stripes are crossed, united
by laurel wreath. The inscription be-
low bears the name of the soldier and
expresses the homage of France pre-
sented by the president of the Repub-
lie, r. Poincaire.
President Crane then explained that
list of soldiers and relatives was made
up from the service records of the men,
including only those who gave their
postoffice address as Minot. If there
are others who are entitled to this me-
mortal and are not included in this list,
the local Post of the American Legion
would be pleased to learn of them. At
the close of the program the memorials
were presented to the relatives.
Major Crane concluded with
Finally, friends, in behalf of France.
in behalf Of the American Legion, the
comrades Of your boys, in behalf of the
American people. in behalf of civiliza-
ton, extend to you gratitude. l re-
ioice with you in the precious things
you have bought for us and in the more
glorious things that shall be built upon
your sacrifice. t@
l