Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1941-06-05

returning u lue PUBIC SuudTe
the procession was joined by the
school pupils and teachers, here
and continued the march to the To-
cal cemetery. The line of march
was: Colors, Malconta Post band
veterans, American Legion members,
Sons of the Legion, Boy Scouts,
school pupils, and a number of cit
liens joined the line of march, by
automobile. While not so many
persons were in the line of march as
some years, more were on the side
lines, in automobiles.
At the cemetery, after the chill
dren decorated the soldiers graves,
the band played America; Rev. Hol-
man offered prayer. Mr.. Cronin
then introduced Atty G. O. McGon-
agile, as the speaker. The exercises
were held at the same place in the
cemetery where they have been held
for more than a half century. Atty
McGonagle, as he always does, made
a splendid, patriotic address, the
very sort that is needed today. He
was given rapt attention. The crowd
was in serious, reverent mood,
with the thought on the terrible
conflict abroad, wondering when it
might involve us here.
What makes us a great nation"
the speaker said" is not the strength
of our armed force, but in the patri-
otto American people who remember
and honor our heroes; the day
should be sacred one to every
one" said Atty McGonagle, and he
continued II do not approve of
sports on Decoration day, especially
while memorial exercises are being
carried out" He called attention
to the fact that there is law which
forbids the playing Of public games
within mile of where Memorial
services are being held. He stated
that he was glad that SO many OBJ
served the law. The speaker re-
marked that sometimes he feels that
the coming generation is not i'm
pressed as they should be with the
meaning of Memorial day, and re-
minded his hearers that they should
impress young people that every SOL
dier's grave is sacred shrine.
Since the Civil war our country has
had but one government, one flag
and all sections are united. OF the
that the soldiers who offered their
services in that conflict were just as
patriotic and deserved the same
honor as soldiers of other wars,
even though the conflict lasted but
a few months. Concerning the World
war he said that then all lines Of
business, were coordinated with but
one thought in mind, and that was
to end the war, and he continued
that while we won the war, we did
not ask for a cent of indemnity. He
voiced the hope that it would be our
last war; but he said that war again
has broken out in European un-
declared war, in which civilians are
bombed. He said that while We
seemed to be on the brink Of anoth-
er even greater war, he expressed
hope that it would not come. How
ever, if it should, he said let 1t be
hoped that the soldiers who fight 1t
will be just as brave as those who
fought our wars of the past.
Or the boys now in training camp,
he called attention to the fact that
they need encouragement, and to be
made to know that we have an in
terest in them. He mentioned that
we have a representative govern
ment, and congress acts in the event
of war, we should forget all relig-
ious and political differences and
everyone united uphold the govern
ment. An army not supported by
the people back home is defeated,
he said.
Atty McGonagle in closing said
"let us make Decoration day more
sacred every year--let us not lose
interest in our soldiers; let us i'm
press the young people to keep it a
sacred day, and to honor the sol
diers of all wars" He said that when
he was called on to speak at Me-
mortal day exercises, he felt it his
patriotic duty to do so.
Attorney McGonagle, who is a son
of a Civil war soldier, has given
more often of his time and talent.
than any other person on patriotic
occasions. Following the address
was the soldiers salute by firing
SQUAD from the American Legion,
next taps, and then the National an
them by the band.
Following the exercises refresh
ments were served by the Ladies
Auxiliary at the Legion hall, to
members of the band and all war
veterans.
In the afternoon members Of the
band, and of the American Legion,
went to Stockport to assist the peo-
ple of that community with their
Memorial exercises. Mr.. McGonagle
making an address there.
RTEDENBACH-ROA NUPTIALS
Tho maria gn of Miss Virginta A. |