South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-28
.CIHIC REYLYAL.

The great reception. planned by group Of lead
ing citizens. in honor Of the men who wore the
uniform during the war is the most significant
enterprise started in city during the past i
months.
II is revival OF that spiritual and patriotic en-
thusiasm OF the war years which brought people
closer together than they had been before.
Tt Is an appeal for a new mean.ng 70 the word
service" and broader Interpretation Of the duties
and privileges OF citizenship.
II is a matter OF humiliation and regret that con-
gress has failed 20 recognize the just claims of the
soldier in the form of compensation law The
sentiment. as declared at the meeting by A. r.
Erskine. IS unanimous for such law and he was
a sure prophet when NE hazarded the belief that
public sentiment would very soon force the passage
OF this payment OF "a just debt
But important as is this matter more signifi-
can't situation was revealed in the speeches OF Col
Geo w Freyermuth Capt. otis $ Romano and
Lieut. Arthur r. Macdonald, OF the American
Legion. when they emphasized the fact that the men
gsho wore the uniform had reason to believe that
there is n slackening interest and sympathy with
the services which they rendered, Pickering OF inc
spirit of democracy which cheered them as they
marched away faItering in the firm faith which
Joined all i'm a common cause when danger EurS
its dark shadows over the land.
This movement means that South Bend has
stopped TO investigate what has happened, not only
20 the soldier. but itself
The reception is not only an occasion Of honorins
those who have won lasting place In the hearts
and IN the minds of men for all time but of calling
70 life once more that great communal spirit which
made democracy vital thing i'm the life of the city
and of the nation.
It has been disclosed that many of the men VINO
left civic life for the camp and front have found 1t
difficult to again resume obtain their old normal
WAYS of life.
II IS also disclosed that many of those who re-
manned in civil jobs these others fought have
found II dlfncut to maintain their interest en-
tblisasnn and interest in what should be common
and continuing purposes.
For every unemployed soldier who needs a job
there are a dozen i'm civil life who need spiritual
revival
For every soldier who has failed to readjust him
self to civil life. there arc &C. dozen men and women
who remained In civil life who need rebirth to
the spirit Of public service.
This new movement viii help i'm way, TO serve
both these needs.
II is declaration that this city intends TO salvage
that fine spirit which was encouraged and lowered
during the war days and to preserve the patriotic
fire for days OF peace.
II is a clarion call 20 an TO once more recognize
and realize that this is democracy of heart
country Of common purposes and aims nation
81 men and women who dodge no duty and never
fail to- meet every responsibility.
That reception TO the men who will be asked 10
once more don their uniforms and attend as hon
ored guests. should set a standard and point the
way for the rest Of the land-for the conditions
which gave birth TO the idea not local, but ma
uonaL