The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-06-10
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PLEDGE TO AMERICA.

PLEDGE TO AMERICA.
Memorial Day is behind us. From the
graves of our comrades we have retrac-
ed our steps. Having paid them full
honor and having enshrined their men,
DRY deep In our hearts. let us learn the
lesson of their sacrifices. Let our brand
of patriotism be as was theirs: SO that
we too may be willing to lay down our
lives for our country. Let us repeat in
our hearts this pledge to the land which
We love SO WELL
~ am proud that the United States of
America Is my country, the Stars and
Stripes my flag. No matter from what
race | sprang. or what nation may claim
America First" A citizen by birth or
choice, l will ever strive to make my
government revered at home and re-
81 will cherish and uphold the princi-
humanity. viii abide BY the decisions
Of the majority ana respect the rights
against any citizen because of his relig-
Ion. will support the constitution of
the United States and oppose every or
to my
not salute the flag and keep step to the
music of the Union. i pray God to bless
my country and her people.
strive, to be a better citizen. I believe
that the laborer is entitled to fair wages.
reasonable hours and proper working
conditions. l believe in the sacredness
DO my best to keep physically. strong;
morally clean and mentally active. and
by voice and by vote. take an intelli-
gent part in the government of my coun-
II hold in grateful memory the gall
liant deeds of the men who carried our
flag through death and danger. will
IN every way, to restore them to a place
of honor and prosperity as worthy citi-
zens Of this great nation.
heart. a true, constant and absolute
loyalty; l pledge respect and obedience
to her laws. pledge my property, my
hf hons o and if need be; my life. to de.
flag and to the republic for which it
stands, one nation. indivisible. with Ii
berty and justice for all
YOUR FLAG AND MY FLAG.
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color Der, ath the sky;
Hats OF! The Flag is passing by!
Blue and crimson and white it shines.
Over the steel tipped ordered lines
Hats off! The colors before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by.
Sign of nation, great and strong
Toward her people from foreign wrong;
Pride. and glory. honor all.
Live In the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off! Along the street there comes
A blare Of bugles. ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high;
Hats off! The Flag is passing by!
Deep in the Argonne. Peter Verdi met
death at the hands of the Germans.
American Legion of Eveleth, Minnesota
sent an escort to St Paul to meet and
accompany the body to Eveleth, where
it was laid to rest with a simple and ap-
propriate military ceremony.
At the. entrance to the little cemetery
at Morris. Minnesota stands large
in honor Of all buddies who are buried
overseas. On Memorial Day, Morris cit
liens piled wreaths of flowers around
this simple cross in memory of the boys
who went west" over there. never to
return.
To have been 6ne of little band of
Mans Hin and returned alive from that
hell of fire, and then to lose his life
when his auto crashed into the North
ern Pacific flyer, was the fate of Austin
SMIsGowan, Legionaire of Brainerd,
Because, as a member of the 151st
F. A. Rainbow division, while laying
shot through the arm but continued fir
ing his gun until the enemy was routed
aire. was decorated with the Croix de
Guerre and the Distinguished Service
Cross: But it was a year from the time
he joined the Montevideo post before his
legion comrades learned of his heroism.
Legionaires of New Ulm. Minnesota
sent Walter Wiedman to the Second
district legion convention at Worthing-
ton with instructions to bring home
the End district convention next October
will be held in New Ulm, which Is pre-
pairing to open its heart as well as it's
hotels to the incoming delegates.
In Waseca Minnesota the Women's Re-
lief Corps purchased an American flag
and an American Legion post banner for
Of friendly eoop s Between nS! yoSng
and the old veteran organizations is re-
ported from other parts Of Minnesota.
The Legion is taking an honored place
by the side of its elders.
"Buttermilk and doughnuts," gallons
OF the former and scores Of the latter.
of Fairmont Minnesota wound up its
recent card party.
Get Behind Legion Button" was
aires in their recent three-day member
ship drive. Before the close of the
drive. one hundred ex-service buddies
had thrown in their lot with the Winona
A big time is being plan
ned for the legion state convention in
August 1-3 next.
The legion in Minnesota receives more
cooperation from the states newspapers
than any other legion department says
legion national headquarters. In the End
district 80 newspapers run an
American Legion Corner" The 7th has
36 such papers the 1st has 20: the Sd.
6th. Sth and 9th districts each has IT:
and the 4th and 10th districts each has
six newspapers which give space to ex-
service and legion events in q special
weekly column. This refers to state and
uocal legion publicity. In addition. about
seyenty-five other Minnesota newspapers
print news, supplied by legion head |
quarters through the Western Newspaper |
Union. -
Minnesota Legionaires and Auxiliary |
members will rally to Minneapolis June |
18th; to st. Cloud June 18th; to st. Paul |
Tune 18th; and to Duluth June H. to do |
honor to their National Commander, F. |
w. Galbraith, who comes to the North |
Star State to get acquainted with |
Legionaires and Auxiliary members Of
department. of which he is
lutte proud. incidentally. he will be one |
II the principal speakers at the cere-
nony in connection with the dedication |
If the Victory Memorial Drive in Mime |
lpolis June IL. s-..