The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1945-07-03

A Day OF CclcpTati0H
Commenting on the subject OF
the American Legion program, J.
H. McCulloch, commander, today
pointed out that the Legion has in
the past recognized July fourth as
a day Of celebration in which youth
of the city has played an important
part. For many years" he said,
Eve followed q pattern of shooting
off fireworks individually as part
OF such observance. This partic-
ular feature was so hazardous. that
thousands of children were killed
and MANNED each year, and NOR
der to prevent such tragedies, af-
ter many years of effort, we finally
reached the place where fireworks
are no longer permitted to be sold.
For many years the American
Legion has tried to carry out the
idea of a safer and saner Fourth
of July celebration and this year Is
no exception to that rule.
"A program OF activities was ar
ranged for boys and girls today con-
sisting of swimming events in the
high school pool this morning and
track events IN Recreation Park
this afternoon. War saving stamps
were provided as prizes for first,
second and third places in each
event.
At 10 o'clock July 4th, six day
aerial bombs with parachutes con-
tanning various figures will be sent
up from Recreation Park and chill
dren recovering them may keep
them for souvenirs.
an the evening at Briggs
Field the program will be conclud-
ed by a fireworks display tradition
al OF a Fourth Of July celebration,
not only for the youngsters but
for adults as well.
THE American Legion Post 2s2
of Ypsilanti. invites not only
the children, but all citizens OF
Ypsilanti and surrounding terri
tory to Join in the safe and sane OBJ
servance of July Fourth.
"The Legion appreciates consid-
Grafton OF the city council in max
ing available Recreation Park. OF
the Michigan State Normal College
for use of Briggs Field, and COOP
Grafton Of the various military and
civic organizations of the city in
making such celebration posi-
ble."
Rights Of Free Citizens
Emphasizing the Importance Of
publically recognizing the value OF
our American rights as free citi-
xens. Thomas O'Dea, retiring COM
mander Of the Legion. today Joined
others in urging proper celebra-
ton. 1.-THE American Legion, vet
Grams of World War ]. have Tor
many years sponsored celebrations
commemorating that historic day,
July Fourth. I776," he said. These
have been happy affairs, occasions
when Ypsilsnti paused to consider
the great accomplishments Of the
fathers OF our country, when we
expressed appreciation OF the right
they had secured for us-the right
to enjoy life as free citizens.
Before the present war these
were mainly days Of celebration.
This year the Legion asks all cit
ixens to pause again In commem-
grafton Of this day, not to cele'
brate, but to contemplate and rec
ognire that independence should be
not only for Us here In the great
United States. but that all the peo-
pie Of the world are entitled, II
they wish, to the freedoms which
we share.
"As others fight for those free
doms and win, we rejoice. We
shall share the results. AS Abra-
ham Lincoln warned that this ma
ton cannot endure half slave and
half free, we now realize that this
world cannot endure half free and
half slave. And so America is again
engaged in war, first to hold our