Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-10-13
THE SPIRIT OF UNITY.

Citizens of Grand Forks, in numbers sufficient
to tax the capacity of the dining hall, gathered 4,
luncheon on Wednesday noon to give appropriate
recognition to the presence in the city of James
Flaherty, executive head of the Knights of Colum-
bus, who is visiting a number of western cities on
business connected with his order.
The address delivered by the guest of honor
was necessarily brief, because of train connections
listened with close attention and profound interest
to a talk unusually impressive, as the speaker, in
modest terms and in conversational tone, set forth
the ideals of service which have been the inspiration
of his society and summarized some of the more
conspicuous of its achievements.
The reading public has long since learned OF
many of the important activities of the Knights OF
Columbus in the late war, and of how the vast pro-
gram of public service which grew out Of the neces.
stiles Of the war has been continued in various
forms since the war for the benefit of the returned
soldier. 1t is a familiar story now that this organi.
%zation, selected from the membership of a great
church, while making special provision for the re-.
ligious needs Of those of its own faith, welcomed to
participation in its humanitarian service all who
were in need, regardless of race or creed. Supreme
Knight Flaherty did not undertake, in the brief time
at his disposal, to tell the story, but he did touch, i'll
a most effective way, on many features which illus
trated the spirit in which this work of service was
performed. "
Many of those who attended that luncheon
have met before in the same gatherings, minglins
as citizens having a common interest in the nation
the state and the local community, each man greet
ing his next neighbor as 4 friend, and none giving a
thought to those differences in political opinion on
religious faith which result in various groupings
along those particular lines, without impairment Of
their common humanity and common citizenship
But the particular occasion Of this gathering, and
the high position occupied by the principal guest
necessarily made men conscious of membership OF
n~on-membership in the society of which the CUES,
is the head. II is a highly gratifying and fortunate
thing. and significant in a peculiar and admirable
way Of the broadness of our citizenship, Of the full
liberty OF conscience which its members enjoy, and
Of the strength of the ties which do and must bind
our people together. On this occasion Jew, Gentile
Catholic, protestant, joined in generous recogniton
|of the services performed by the members of one
particular group represented among them. The
local American Legion organization, in which mem.
bers of all such groups are represented, joined in ar
official recognition Of the guests presence. Or
some other occasion it may be the representative o.
some other group who receives honors on behalf Of
his associates. And in such case the recognition wil
be equally geaerous and spontaneous.
Such incidents made for the strengthening o.
the bonds Of brotherhood and for strengthening the
foundations Of our citizenship. In emphasizing al
strongly as possible the great principles in whose
support we are united rather than the details con-
corning which we differ. we promote the spirit o.
unity upon which human progress rests.
~ NGDE ElHN-