The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1931-01-10
A Fitting Tribute

When the war veterans of Bismarck and Burleigh
county dedicated the new city-county memorial build
ing Friday night they completed the first part OF a
service to the community. which should have far-reach-
ing effects.
The second part-that of seeing that the building is
so operated that the community receives the full bene-
fit Of its potential v~alue-remains to be done. Doubt
less the same spirit which brought the building into being
will see that the best use is made of it.
This usefulness cannot be discounted. The magnlfi-
cent auditorium and other features of the building give
Bismarck an advantage over any other city in the state
when it comes to entertaining conventions and other
statewide gatherings.
Bismarcks friendliness is such that no convention or
meeting is too small to be welcomed here. Its facilities
arc such that none is too large. 1t is a fine advertise
ment for Bismarck in other sections of the state and in
adjoining states.
The various service features OF the structure. com
prising as they do something of interest and value for
boys and girls, men and women. should make it a real
community center. The next job of the Legionnaires
who created it is to see that this ideal is fulfilled.
But over and above all is the memorial character of
the building. Anyone thinking of 1t as a venture con-
ceived only for the u%pbuilding of the city and its inter-
ests makes a serious mistake; fails to properly estimate
the feeling which activated men of the American Legion
in seeking erection of the memorial.
For the men who today wear the Legion uniform and
perform public service in its name, have not forgotten
the time and events which called the organization into
being. They have not forgotten that rows of white
crosses mark the last resting place of their comrades who
fell in the war.
They remember as personal friends and "buddies'
the men who, in death, the nation honors as its heroes.
And they know, too. that if anything can compensate
these men for the sacrifice of their lives it is the laugh
ter Of little children. the happiness and contentment
of those they left behind.
They feel. in their hearts, that the women who gave
their sons and who smile bravely to the world, still shed
secret tears because their boys failed to come back.
And they know, also. that the best way to dry those
tears is to do their full share toward making America
q better place In which to live.
Could everyone in America enjoy peace and content
ment as the result of the efforts of those men who died
and their comrades who still live. our gallant dead as
suredly would sleep in peace: the eyes Of our gol' star
mothers would no longer fill with tears at thoughts of
the long ago.
And SO, the World War Memorial building was intended
to help those who remain to enjoy life: to bring some
measure of happiness to those still living in the world
but who realize full well that their happiness and the
benefits which they enjoy are the direct result of the
sacrifices which the brave men and women Of America
have made in her behalf.
Bismarck and Burleigh county are proud of the new
building, more proud Of the men who urged its con-
struction, and still more proud of the spirit which activ-
ated them to do so.