Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-03-27
A. L. Post Presented
With Picture of
Late 7. E. Ricknell

On Wednesday evening Ivan Bick-
pell Post No. 90. American Legion
was presented with Sepia Enlarge
ment Of the late Ivan Edward Bick-
nell, for whom the Post was named,
The Portrait was presented by Mrs.
John r. Bicknell, of Portland, the
grandmother of the departed COM
rade. whose death occurred Oct. IA,
1918 at Germonville Woods, France.
The service was opened in q fitting
manner by Daniel F. Ivory, the Post
Commander, who spoke briefly on the
life of the comrade.
TIE beautiful ritualistic work Of
the Legion for occasions OF this KIND
was used for the first time in the
history of the Post and the members
were very grateful for the opportun-
ity of paying tribute to the memory
Of their departed comrade.
Ivan Edward Bicknell who was
before the war an employee Of the
National Home, enlisted June JIG,
1917 in Co. M, 2, Me. Inf. On Sept,
27, 1917 he left for France. June 1d
was gassed in the raid on Xiavary.
At this time he was wounded by q
piece of shell striking his hip, caus-
ing him to be sent to Field Hospital
No. 101, France. Private Bicknell
was cited by General Edwards for
bravery in action and his service In
the attack and capture of Torrey and
Belieau. He was severely wounded
July 10, 1918 in the town OF Belleau,
France. On this occasion Private
Bicknell was cited for distinguished
and exceptional gallantry when he
voluntarily with two others entered
the town Of Beclleau and captured
four prisoners"
1.-THE body Of Ivan Bickneil was
returned from Antwerp, Belgium. on
boken, N. j., Oct. 8, 1921, was sent
to Skowhegan Oct. q. and a full
military funeral was Gwen him Oct.
Is, which was attended by delega-
ton from this Post who served as
pail bearers"
The minutes Of the first meeting Of
the Post were read by Adjutant
Frank w. Gorham. In behalf Of the
relatives, Major William T. Hanley.
presented the portrait to the Post
and which was accepted by comrade
Leonard M. Maillet in the name Of
the Post. with brief remarks.
Mrs. Bicknell was called upon and
spoke as follows:
'It is with feelings of mixed pleas
ure and sadness, pride and regret,
that 1 meet this evening with the
members of Ivan Bicknell Post. You
have gathered here on this his natal
day, the gath anniversary of the birth
of Ivan Edward Bickneil, to pay a
tribute Of respect, reverance and
honor to the memory of him, your
fallen comrade, your associate In
your companion In arms on
the battle fields and In the trenches
of France. He with thousands of
others gave his life for the peace OF
the world. Greater love hath no
man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends
"Too much canot be said in honor
of the valor and heroism OF our
at Bellou Wood where 30
many made the supreme sacrifice 1
that the world might be a better
place in which to live. Before that
great conflict it was said that Maine
had never lost a stand of colors, and
now the patriotism Of our brave lads
has planted the Stars and Stripes
On the fields Of France and her colbrs
wave triumphant in the breeze.
"The battle clouds of smoke have
cleared away, the roar of the can
non 10 no longer heard. bnt the war
gail until the turmoil and strife that
% still raging Ia hushed, and
Peace, be stiil" is proclaimed by the |
Prince OF Peace who commanded and |
he wind and the waves obeyed His |
foice."
Mrs. Jennie Townsend OF Water. |
lille, mother Of Comrade Btcknetl, |
vas present at the exercises and re-
urned late in the evening to her
lome.