Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-11-12
ARMlsTIcE DAY

clared. The mind IL compelled to
look back along those Ave years, to
svaluate as best it may that which
the passing time has covered with
dust and that which was thought to
Be killed but is lifting it's head again.
This generation may never again
experience the thrill felt throughout
1.-THE land on that memorable day, five
years ago, but we must never let go
Of it's significance. We must not
forget what a wonderful work we
were enabled to do under the stress.
We should from that derive a con-
fidence for the future. Without it
the way looks dark. Man respond
ing to the clarion call to the colors,
in. the line of duty at the front or
at the rear, bore the stamp of a
nobility recognized by his fellows
and felt by himself. Relaxed, his
face turned from high endeavor to
the brambles about his feet, slump
ing down by the roadside or lying
in wait to prey on his fellows, he be-
comes pitiable object.
1t will do our minds wrong to
dwell on the scandals among those
responsible for administering the
generous funds supplied for the dis
abled veteran or to hold our ears
open only to the wrangling and our
eyes to the vision of sordid things.
We have not forgotten there is some
thing better, something nobler in
man, even now. He demonstrated it,
he has not lost his grip altogether.
We must be sure of that.
The soldier learned to carry on"
with steady hand when the f1ends of
carnage were jeering at him. His
will was trained to impel himself
"over the top" to turn his back on
the world and go to meet his fate
face to face. That training has not
been lost upon him. There is in
him yet the will to respond. There
is a great hope in this. a source of
confidence. We think that he HIM
self. though in way he may not
and we may not clearly understand,
is conscious of this inherent power
by reason of his experience. May he
not transmit some of this and may
he not be encouraged to make the
effort?
In various ways he is manifesting
his interest in conserving that for
which great struggle paid and which
has come to be associated with the
term "Americanism," is endeavoring
to realize something of a vision,
which in degree more or less
clearly must have been revealed to
those who followed the colors. We
are reminded of this by the effort
which members of the American
Legion in this city have made to
interest and associate the school
children in the observance Of
Armistice Day. Members Of the
Legion, Familiarity known as the "ny-
ing squadron have visited the
schools and explained the meaning
Of the day to the boys and girls.
1t is said their efforts were re-
ceived by the children with great
approval, and they will participate
In .today's exercises as the result
Of. this happy thought to find a way
In which those who come after
may share in the priceless thing
which those who served found and
would cherish. Moreover. the ef-
ficiency with which these things are
being brought about In more Inn
pressive than would be blare of
trumpets.
In all this surely there is great
cause to rejoice ON this Armistice
Day. All that was hoped on Nov.
II. 1913 has not come to pass, but
any apprehension then felt respect
ing what might be the attitude OF
those who served is allayed. The
loyal. constructive ideals of the
American veterans OF the world wa,
are being demonstrated. They arr
admirable and inspiring. In these
gre found high resolve for keep.
Ing this country At place in which
freeborn Americans may find Cd.
pertunity to work out their destiny
This, though we may not Away.
agree with their conclusions as t,
methods. we should keep uppermos
In mind. None more loyal, none more
xanshlA aoaa better trained to 'car.