Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-03-03

Mr.. Bassett with the desire to per-
petuate the picture; and to erect
on the very spot where the incident
occurred-a monument of bronze: a
memorial to the sacrifice of our
youth who espoused the cause of
humanity.
Now 1t may be that Daddy return
ed. as he said; it may be that he
sleeps in field in Flanders under
meath the peoples. But whether he
came home-maimed and wounded,
perhaps-to take up again the
broken threads of his life or rests
in an unknown soldiers grave;
whatever the outcome-he has left
us in his debt. Notwithstanding the
unrest, the unsettlement, the pitiful
sickness of the world, he has ac-
complished the thing for which he
strove-he has made the world
better place in which to live. He has
shown us more clearly the contrast
between selfishness and greed, the
desire for self aggrandiZement, the
lust for power, for military Supre-
macy, for world dominion-he has
shown us more clearly the contrast
between these and the idea of simple
service. And it is because of this
that President Paul Sargent has ap-
pointed a committee; and it is be-
cause of this that we. the members
of that committee, are before you,
asking if you will confirm his ac-
ton, in order that we may take steps
to make it evident that we. as a
community, recognize our debt.
1t does not appear that it is too
late to take this step. Surely we
have not forgotten the thrill of emo
ton which gripped US, when, after
lapse of six generations, we heard.
qGivering across a waiting world,
the cry of our "Lafay-
cite, nous venons-Lafayette. We
come-we are here" There is Il
volume of history in those few
words.
Nor would it appear to be too
soon to take this step. Many towns
and cities all over the world have
done the thing already; many more
have it under consideration. AS
the President states in his letter,
1T seems shame that the Capt
tai City has hot yet undertaken to
put up any suitable memorial to the
World war veterans. Practically ev-
erytown in Maine has some suitable
marker to commemorate the deeds
and heroism of the boys of their
town"
Memorials are the outgrowth of
great lives. They keep alive the
best In tradition and human insti-
tutions. The need for them springs
naturally from the hearts Of those
living"
"A cursory survey by your commit
tee seems to disclose q general de-
sire on the part of our citizens to
have this thing done. With very
rare exceptions, our people say the
present time is not inauspicious. AS
one OF our business men said: "E,v-
cry time is the right time for a
movement OF this sort; it does not
matter to me what form your plans
take-remember. whatever you do,
want 10 be counted in on it,"
Assuming that you do not with
hold your approval at this time il
is the plan of your committee TO
seek the cooperation of other SINH
lar organizations. of which there are
more than 20 in Augusta; and, if
possible. arrange for a drive or cam
paign for raising money, by popular
subscription. say sometime during
the latter part of April next Mean
While to seek information as to de-
signs and plans which would oe
adaptable to our use. AS to the
amount of money which can be rails
ed-thls is, of course, problematicaI;
and this detail must govern . the
course of your committee. You may
be interested to know OF some suc-
gestions which have been advanced.
Among these are:
A memorial armory and conven-
ton hall.
A memorial building. to be erected
in conjunction with the State, and
to be located presumably on State
property.
An addition 10 the "Y" building
TO be designated as a memorial al
dition.
A memorial building in connection
with the Augusta General hospital,
to be used as a children's ward.
The placing of bronze statue at
the top of Rhines hill. at the juno
ton of Grove and Green streets. !
CThis is Mr.. Bassett's suggestion.)
While all, or any of these. would
receive the support and cooperation
or your committee, we have felt that
with perhaps the exception of the
latter. all the suggestions call for
too large an expenditure of money
to be possible of accomplishment at
this time.
We have thought that-without
causing hardship In any direction
an amount ranging between $1,000 |
and $4,000 might be secured by
vigorous personal campaign, sup
ported by such organizations as the !
American Legion. the Kiwanis Club. |
the knights of Columbus. and
others OF which there are, as stated. |
about 20 In this community This |
amount should enable us to erect a |
tablet. or memorial arch, or a re-
fecting pool. of granite or some en-
during material-dignified in char
acter. and a suitable expression OF
our appreciation.
We submit for your consideration
the accompanying resolution:
(Signed)
ALBERT w. BROOKS
WILLIS F. SWIFT.
FRANCIS B. PURINTON.
Committee.
The Resolutions
Resolved: That we, as Rotarians.