The Kevin review. [volume] (Kevin, Mont.) 1922-1929, 1924-11-06

the guns in the national salute. Lines of the peo-
pie along the curbs, the great steps of the STATE
War and Navy building packed solid; crowds ABOUT
a tall and slender granite shaft.
It was the First division, A. E. F., unveilng a
memorial in honor of its 1856 World war dead
This First division-six years after and in peace
times-was a composite regiment of infantry gain
cred from the regular army posts for the OCCASION
In the ranks was many a veteran. And with the
veterans marched men no longer in the army,
whose proudest boast is that they served with
the old First in France" But the massed battle
Flags, under escort of honor, were the same old
Flags that were first unfurled "Over There" Inc
guns that gave the national salute were the guns
of Battery C, Sixth artillery, that fired the hrst
American shots. At the head of the First dlvl-
sion were Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summersal and
Brig. Gen. Frank Parker, old-time commanders.
On the official stand were members of the cab
met, high officers of the army, navy and marine
corps and President Coolidge.
And what of the spirit of the day? There is no
hint of sorrow In the faShioning of a soldier trlD-
ute to fallen comrades. 1t is raised In calm ac-
ceptance of that code which bids free Americans
hold their lives not too great price to pay that
their countrymen down the years may live always
as free and liberty-loving sons Of the Flag. There
a graphic portrayal of that code in the pose OF
the winged figure of victory that tops that slender
granite shaft of the memorial. 1t stands with the
bronze wrought folds of the Flag for which these
gallant dead fell, swept aloft in the lifted right
hand. 1t is poised as though to step forward
again in a moment, forward toward the great
vision of high destiny that shines before the lit
ed. exalted gaze. And as 1t pauses, here above
the fallen, the left hand is spread downward IN
proud benediction as though the winged inquire
would say to those whose names are scrolled be-
low: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant
And President Coolidge, commander in chief OF
all "Fighting Yanks,' turned his lace 10 the mohu-
ment and said:
"This monument commentaries no man VINO
wv ANYTHING by the war. 1t ministers to no
aspiration for place or power. But 1t challenges
attention to the cost, suffering and sacrifce that
may be demanded of any generation, so long as
nations permit q resort to war to settl" their dls-
mites. 1t is a symbol of .wful tragedy. of unend-
ing sorrow, and of stern warning. Relieved of all
attendant considerations, the final lesson whlch
II imparts is the blessing of peace, the supreme
blessing of geace with honor"
Armistice day of 1924 will be observed from
coast TO coast much as it was "a year ago. Gu
zens will stop for two minutes of silence, race
East and renew their vows of loyalty. An epitome
of the nations observance will be the services In
Arlington at the tomb of the Unknown Dead
Largely in spirit Armistice day will be a glorl-
fcation of the Fighting Yank." In this there is
nothing to offend the intelligent lover of peace.
In this there is everything to commend itself
TO the good american. For the true significance
of the nations shrine in Arlington is that 1t is
the outward and visible sign of the inward and
spiritual grace that makes the patriot the founda-
ton and the salvation of the nation.
So here's to the Fighting Yank!' For Flight
ing Yanks" are all good Americans who give their
best when their country calls-whether to food
conservation, Red Cross work, training camp, avi
alton field and convoy duty. or to the great adj
venture of the firing line where death and glor'
vie. Here's to them all!