New Britain herald., 1928-09-21
DEDICATING THE MONUMENT

New Britain tomorrow Will oeol- cate. with appropriate exercises, the great monument on top of Wal nut Hill, erected as tribute for all time to the heroic dead which the city contributed as its share to the successful conclusion of the World War.
 It is needless to emphasize that the Memorial Monument is one of the most artistic shafts in the land. Of this everyone by this time IS fully aware. Not only is the monu- ment of itself great work of art, of dignity and power, but the city gave 1t the most prominent location at its command-atop the highest hill in its beautiful playground, only an insignificant distance from the heart of the city.
 There the great shaft pierces the sky, to write its message in the hearts of beholders for countless generations. Thus situated its gran deur can be estimated from virtual ly all parts of the city; and at night, SO that it's view is not tram scended by the shades of darkness, strong lights will play up it's stately sides. Thus illuminated. it will be majestic beacon to the city and surrounding countryside. It will be seen with distinctness in Hartford, ten miles away.
 Proud though we as citizens may be at the contamination of this noble task and duty, let us not hide our souls behind this paragon of achievement. Let us not forget that the elevation thus painstakingly beautisied is not one merely to serve as an addition to the spectacles of the city; let it not merely serve as an ornament to the scenery, a dis play of stone to delight the vision. Let us rather regard it as q true symbol of that higher emotion that has its seat in our hearts. Let it re- fleet | steadfast purpose to live and achieve good works and kind deeds under that starry flag which the brave boys whose names are in- scribed in metal gave their lives to maintain in all it's glory. Let us not forget the service they and their fallen comrades and that larger number who returned from gory glory did us that we might continue to live and prosper under the ban- ner of Washington. of Lincoln, of Wilson and of Pershing. And in so remembering we should resolve anew to be worthy citizens of this great republic: to strive unceasinsly to maintain it's integrity. it's honor and its glory.
 We dedicate this monument to- morrow, but let us at the same time rededicate ourselves to take a worthy part in the destiny and achievement of this, our country. Though it is important to us as citizens that this image of our thoughts has been raised in glory to the skies, the soil on which it rests should not be entirely that on top of the hill, but its roots should cling deep into our hearts.
 Despite the panoply of parading the boom and crash of cymbals, the noise of the multitude and the bright colors of flags and bunting, this dedication is solemn occa- sion. It is an event which remem- bers the dead and glorifies the liy- ing. It yields an opportunity for ret rospcction. of uplift for the spirit, and q rebirth of patriotism in it's most exalted form.
 On this eminence. along with the monument. stands faith. hope. char fly. rotherhood. unitv and an un- dying belief that this Republic, with the help of God and the CO operation of His children. cannot and will not sWerye from the great principles of liberty and equality which gave it birth. As we gaze to the skies. whence cometh our help and enyision the proud pinnacle of victory and honor, we must. if We are true citizens and worthy, search our hearts and resolve that the dead whose deeds if comm.mo- rates. in the immortal words Of Lincoln, shall not have died in vain :: that the fathers of the nation and its builders from the early days to the present shall not have hoped and wrought with bootIess .nort :; and that the future. lying most i'm . medjafriy in our own hands. shall not be lashed with doubt nor sterile of accomplishment.