Evening star., 1923-06-14
PRESIDENT PRAISES
HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT
Lauds Patriotism of Eastern
Boys in War at Dedication
of Flagstaff.

Patriotic sentiments. which have
Inspired the students of Eastern High
School were commended highly by
President Harding in a letter read
at the dedication today of bronze
base to the flag staff standing at the
entrance to the new Eastern High
School. the alumni associations me-
mortal to the Eastern boys. who gave
their lives in the Spanish American
and world wars.
Replying to letter of Bertram
G. Foster. president of the alumni
association, inviting him to partici-
pate in the exercises. the President
wrote:
TT would be a satisfaction to ac-
cept the invitation. which l have re-
ceived at your hand, for the occasion
of dedicating the Flagstaff raised by
the alumni at the new Eastern High
School grounds in this city. ] am
sorry to have to say that my engage
ments for the next few weeks are
such that acceptance is impossible.
cannot let the occasion pass. however,
without the expire Ssion of my partic-
ular qualification that the alumni as
S~"'"tion has provided this parttc-
ularly appropriate attestation OF the
patriotic sentiments which have al
wayS inspired the students of this IN
Stitution.
They have every reason to be
proud of the records which their
comnatriots Of this association have
made in their country's wars. and
Particularly the fine showing of mill
tary efficiency which has been pos
sible by reason Of the high interest
which has always been taken in
military instruction.o
Many Floral Tributes
While the Eastern High School
Band played THE Star Spangled
Tanner" little Charles Edwin Cham
bers. son of Charles E. Chambers.
whose memory is commemorated in
the bronze. unveiled the tablet. and
q sailor slowly ran the colors to the
top OF the staff Representatives OF
the Spanish American War Veterans,
Alexander Bremen of the American
Legion and Eastern Cadets and mem
bers of the families Of the schools
heroes followed with floral tributes.
which were banked high around the
base of the flag staff.
The ceremonies were marked with
tHIpre s&iveneSs. They were attended
by ranking Army and Navy officers
Schol officials. alumni and East
ern's entire student BODY. CARRIED in
their natty blue uniforms, the cadets
formed in company front on the side
walk. facing the flagstaff. with other
students flanking them on either side
shaping a semicircle around the me-
mortal. At the foot of the staff were
seated families of the schools service
men who sacrificed their lives in two
wars. and behind them was an audi
ence of school officials and alumni
Mai. Gen. Mason NJ. Patrick. CHIEF
of the air service and one of the prin-
cipai speakers, sounded a note OF
warning against pacificism. and de-
clared that it would be a sign of re
degeneration if teachers failed to in
still in the impressionahle minds OF
their pupils real patriotism.
Tribute to Airman.
Gen. Patrick paid high tribute tc
Thomas IT. Farnsworth. a lieutenant
in the air service. whose name is
carved in the bronze memorial base
for his fine spirit and personal brav-
cry" The air service chief said he
saw Lieut.. Farnsworth at the battle
front in September, 1918. and two
days later the airman brought down
an enemy plane, and, although wound
ed landed safely. but died several
hours afterward. Lieut. Farnsworth
was decorated with the distinguished
service cross. Gen. Patrick said "fol
his outstanding heroic action"
Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune. com
nandant of the Marine Corps. declared
that more fitting tribute could not be
paid to the memory OF Eastern's wal
He then outlined the history of va.
rous flags, tracing them from TIL,
time of Moses down through the age.
' to Americas national colors
Service and self sacrifice to the
country was stressed by James T
Lloyd, member of the board of edu-
cation. More and more we are
coming to realize" he said. that lif,
is failure unless it is used fol
service. The responsibilities of life
are great. no more in peace than In
war, and we cannot shirk them. One
living in peace times who makes NJ
sacrifice and no service is as much
to be condemned as the profiteer and
Stacker when the war drums beat
Brief remarks also were made by
DR.. Frank W. Ballou. superintendent
of schools. and President Foster OF
the alumni association. who presided
The exercises were opened with invo-
cation by DR.. Abram Simon, president
Of the school board. Benediction was
pronounced by Rev. David r. Covell
rector of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Mr.. Foster read a letter from Gen.
Pershing regretting that he would be
unable to attend the dedicatory cere-
monies. One of the features of the
exercises was d cornet solo by Otto