The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1925-06-03
Gunnar BjOrns0n
Gives Address
Decoration Day
DAY FITTINGLY OBSERVED BY
DECORATION SERVICES; PRES
ENT-DAY PROBLEMS OF WAR
AND CRIME DISCUSSED.

Gunnar Bjornson, the distinguished
editor of the Minnesota Mascot"
gave the address of the day at the
Memorial Day services last Saturday.
Mr.. Bjornsons' talk formed the
major part Of the afternoon program
held in the Armory. The G. A. r.
and American Legion Posts and the
Women's divisions of the two organ
izations united in observing Memorial
Day. Tribute was payed to dead
soldiers and SAILORS in the morning
ceremony, while the afternoon pro-
gram was dedicated to the living.
The morning program, which began
at about $50, consisted of a parade
which formed at the Armory, pro-
ceeded to the lake and thence to the
Cemetery. The members of the John
S. Marsh Post, the American Legion,
the Womans Relief Corps the Aux
iliary and Co. L., together with the
local band and the Legion fife and
drum corps, made up the parade. S.
A. Appleton, as officer of the day,
lead the procession to the east shore
of Lake Redwood, where in a short
ceremony, tribute was paid to the
sailors who gave their lives in the
late World War. The ceremony was
opened with the invocation by Rev.
M. R. Meyers, and closed after the
Salute to the Dead, by ensemble sing
ing of the Star Spangled Banner.
After the rites at the water front
the parade moved to the Redwood
Falls Cemetery, where, in short and
impressive manner, the graves of the
dead were decorated. Commander H.
N. Bell directed the decoration Of the
graves.
The afternoon program, which be-
gan at 2:30 at the Redwood Armory,
consisted of assembly singing, read
ings and a short address by Gunnar
Bjornson. A silent prayer for those
who gave their all in battle, followed
by an invocation by DIR. Ross, opened
the program. Commander Bell read
"Logan's Order" after which the High
School Glee Club sang two numbers,
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was
read by Russell Reynolds, and Par
ker Sanders, commander Of the Mel
vim Daskam Post of the American
Legion, told Of the significance of
Memorial Day and the manner in
which it should be observed. Follow
ing two beautifully sung numbers
by sMF>S Opal Geibler, Mr. Bjornsen
made his talk.
Great present-day problems form
ed the text of Mr.. Bjornson's address
The necessity for some sort of ar
Association of Nations as a guarantee
of permanent peace was emphasized
Mr.. Bjornson pointed out that modern
civilization could never withstand
another war, that another war is
very probable in the present strain OF
affairs, and that the American Legion
is the logical body to discourage war
Legionnaires are just beginning to
grasp the reins of government in Am.
erica. They are beginning to contro
the policy of this country and to de.
termine it's ultimate goal. The speak
er declared that an organization which
could control the policies of the Am
erican government had within its
grasp the power to control the policie:
of the world. To the argument thai
Leagues with other nations are dan
gerous, Mr.. Bjornson replied thai
conditions can not become any worse
and the only remaining hope is thai
the experiment of governmental com
binations may prove successful.
The other great problem with which
the speaker concerned himself was
the great crime wave which is sweep
ing the country at the present time
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