Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 273, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1919 — Armistice Anniversary Celebrated [ARTICLE]

Armistice Anniversary Celebrated

Jasper County Turns Out Enmasse to Honor Heros of Great War.

WAR MOTHERS PRAISED. Thousand, of citizen, and one thousand soldiers participate in the greatest celebration ever given in this city. • Jasper County War Mothers had full charge and receive the full credit for the great success. * Elegant dinner is served to over seven hundred soldiers. Ideal November day crowded full of thrills, emotion, enjoyment and pathos. ——, —.—-— , . Silent heroes reverently remembered. Living heroes presented everlasting memento. Rensselaer wins —football game. Battle royal, prize fight, balloon ascension, band concerts and big dance enjoyed by all. Pat O’Brien, the war 5 , greatest aviator, is present and makes an address.

The first anniversary of the signing of the armistice by the Germans pn November 11, 1918, was celebrated in Rensselaer Tuesday by one of the greatest demonstrations ever held in this county. A home coming had been carefully planned by the Jjasper Gounty War Mothers and the success which attended their efforts was far beyond their fondest dreams. Jasper county citizens turned out almost enmasse and were joined by throngs from neighboring counties, ■ The throng was estimated at from five to eight thousand people, of which at least one thousand were soldiers, most of whom were in the olive drab uniform. It was a beautiful November day, with a perfectly blue sky and ideal in temperature. ■Nothing had been left undone that labor and money could do that the reception of the soldier boys could be in keeping with the love and esteem in which they are held by their fellow countrymen. The lamp posts had been decorated with bunting, flags and with the sketches of the insignias which were worn by the different units which served in the great war. These latter had been most artistically drawn by Rensselaer’s talented artist, Doris Crooks. Old Glory floated from the business houses and everywhere waved in welcome of the guests of the day. Almost five hundred of the Jasper county soldiers v&re presented with the souvenir’ rings andall.exg pressed the most touching appreciation of the same. Charles A. Welch ta president of the Jasper county board of commissioners, made the address presenting the rings. Mr. Welch proved equal to the important occasion and made, an excellent address in which he spoke in glowing terms of the Jasper county soldiers and the honor they had brought to this commonThis address was answered for the soldiers by Col. George H. Healey. The colonel expressed in mdst appropriate words the deep appreciation of the honor the citizens of the county had thrust upon the soldier in the 'hrtfgMftcenC' demonstration; also the heartfelt and sincere thanks for the beautiful trophy which he considered the most appropriate that could be given. He said that badges could not be worn except on state occasions while the rings could be worn continuously. / He said that one thing that had helped the boys while at the camps and while in battle was that they knew that the home folks were back of them with everything neededmoney, sacrifices and intense spirit. He was exceptionally proud of Jasper county and its splendid war

record. - . The program was earned out in every detail. The day opened at 11 a. m., with the ringing of bells and the blowing of whistles and all went back, with intense emotion to one year ago when that awful conflict where human life was paying the price with its precious blood had given its full measure- and the victory had been won. . " The throng was full of joy dhd mirth and good nature reigned su-1 preme and everywhere. , ■ At noon a banquet was served in ( the large room of Kellner & Callahan on Cornelia street and more than seven hundred of the soldiers of the great war and a large number of the veterans of the civil war, together with a number of nurses and other war workers were the guests. The soldiers pronounced it to be one of the best meals they had ever had the privilege of partaking of. There was an abundance of food which had been well prepared

and which was nicely served. The afternoon and evening was full of action and excitement. The splendid Monticello band gave a number of high class concerts and many compliments were showered upon Leader Elnfore and his organization. The free acrobatic stunts and battle royal were enjoyed by the throng. . The football game, a write-up of which will be found elsewhere, was on a par with the old time games given many years ago when we had a team that could not be defeated even at the hands of Pat O’Day and his like. , ' , _ The sparring, match was fast ana clean and was approved of as well as thoroughly enjoyed by the great crowd. It is also given a special write-up. The balloon ascension was a. thriller and the double parachute leap was a feature new to

many. The Melody Girls’ orchestra and singers was 4>ne of the most enjoyable features of the day’s happiness. They furnished the music for the grand ball, which was also held in the Kellner & Callahan room. This was a crowning feature of a perfect day and a glorious celebration. It was participated in by hundreds, a large per cent of which were soldiers, their best girls, and many others—-—— —, To add to the joy of the occasion it was discovered that Pat O’Brien, the great war’s most famous aviator, was present. He was introduced by Judge Charles W. Hanley and made a short talk which made a great hlt Whom shall we give the credit for that magnifieent event, this historic celebration, undoubtedly second to none to be held anywhere under similar conditions? First and above all Mrs. Charles W. Hanley and her associates, the Jasper County War, Mothers, who, in spite of some opposition, a great deal of lukewarmness, get themselves to the task and to them belongs the honor and glory. The county commissioners and the county council deserve great credit and are the recipients of great praise for the souvenirs. Charles A. Welch, president of the board, deserves very special credit for his assistance and his stirring address. The Rensselaer business men, as always, did their part. A few of the men gave a great amount of their time- and did their work splen.didly. A. E. Wallace, Harry Parker, W W Bott, C. C. Warner, Conrad Kellner, Van Grant, Rex Warner, and Mrs. M. E. Drake, the Boy Scouts and scores of others deserve and have the appreciation of the soldiers and the citizens of the county. Kellner & Callahan furnished their worn without a cent of financial consideration. .One of the most beautiful and touching displays was the memorial placed upon the court house lawn giving the names of the soldier boys who had made . the supreme sacrifice. * This was in the shape of a large monument resembling marble and decorated with wreaths. Those to be thus honored, and whose memory we <-shall always cherish, were: Earl Caster Thomas V, Budd Roy O. Myers Arthur Murray, Dewey BiggO*O George Fritz William Stath Lonnie Davisson John Stein Clark Warfel John Knox George Gratner Winford Stevenson . Dewey McGlinn Raymond Lanham Calvin Maddox Gregbry White Clarence' Clayton George H. Small.