South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-05-29
MEMORIAL DAY 'SLACKERS'' AND OUR
AMERICAN NONCHAL .ANCE

Memorial day is again upon u.s. the day on when
we-as nation perhaps. more than the people
remember our soldier dead and pay our resi- ects
the soldier living. one respect the day takes
on a new aspect this year. The veterans OF a ne"
war. our last war are added to the ranks Of the
celebrants. The Grand Army of the Republic that
has long been the center Of attraction this occa-
zion stll holds that position honor. with the tot
terng steps and the failing in numbers, accentuated
by the younger men who have fallen into line TO
keep the great day alive.
The soldiers OF three wars viii join in the obser-
vance that takes place tomorrow; those Of the re-
belIion the Spanish-American war, and the great
world war. Only a few years and the men who
braved the latter two will alone be left 70 hauow
the day. and then again. after many years, there
will be another thinning Of the ranks-and what
war viii furnish the next series OF recruits? The
American Legion in this is measuring up well to 4
patriotic service that they joining with the men
who saved the union from ACKNOWLEDGMENT; guard
OF honor to the living and doing honor to those who
have gone before.
But more than those who have the blue and
the khaki need live consideration for this day
These men who strew flowers the graves OF their
departed comrades doing a work that ought not
be required or even permitted OF them. AS a people
we are indeed, Ungrateful TO heroes else in
stead Of running away TO the races the baseball
the exclusion OF the Memorial day ceremonies, we
would be making all these men our honored guests
and showing them at least once a year that their
service has not been forgotten. It is proper job
for we who stayed behind; kept the home fires
burning" yes and giving money. and buying bonds
sometimes till it hurt-but never risking hides.
However. 1t was ever thus. Sacrifice is seldom ap-
preciated. A few martyrs have lived through his
tory but the great mass Of mankind. by far the
thar
days seldom realizing or trying to realize the ttias
and suffering of their bencfactors The men Of the
rebellion saved the union from Acknowledgement, 10
be sure and we accept and enjoy it matter Of
course. Of attempting to solve the prob
I'm Of what might have become of us had they
failed. So with the spanish-American war. despite
its minor importance. and with the world war
despite its magnitude. We have men here in Amer
lea today and some even representing US in for
egn courts. who delight in discrediting
both our valance and motives. in entering and
speeding the end Of the with Germany.
They are the like of the prerheads' who per-
rneated the Civil war. and followed 1t; perhaps not
always a friend Of the foe, but more generally self
ishly or politically. out Of sympathy with the main
case. They subscribed money to the Red Cross,
the Y NJ c. A.. the x. Of c.. and bought Liberty
bonds always grudsinely. They might not have
subscribed all but for a fear thrown into them
that unless the were won in France Germany
might cross the deep and have 10 lick her here
on our own shores and alone. Such is the type OF
American represented in London by Ambassador
Harvey when he says we entered the war purely TO
protect American interests and that have
other interest in the aftermaths
Down deep in the major heart Of America how
ever such sentiments-or lack Of any sentiment
do not prevail We feel more than we pretend;
have higher impulse of patriotism than we care
TO advertise There IS a nonchalance about our
Americanism that is more deceitful than reaI-ex-
planning much OF our apparent unconcern such as
viii De exhibited by great masses Of people to-
morrow: those who will take no part IN the Me-
mortal day services because they too proud 10
act emotional Let the parade then proceed. the
line Of march fenced in by those who not afraid
10 swallow their threats they cheer and let the
uarchers understand as best they can that those
who have skunk away have. mostly. done so-per-
haps 20 hide their shame that they are not among
the marchers
That al least IS as It should be.