Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 245, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 October 1920 — PRESIDENT SETS ARMISTICE DAY [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT SETS ARMISTICE DAY

Wilson Orders the Flag at HalfStaff on Sunday November 14. f # , ■! "»' / * in HOUR HEROIC YANK DEAD Asks Observance as Token of Nation’s Participation in Memorial Services —Selection of Formal Day Must Be Through Legislation. Washington, Oct. 11. —President Wilson directed that on Sunday, November 14, the American flag be displayed at half-staff on all public buildings and naval and military posts “as a token of the nation's participation Si the memorial services held for the heroic American soldiers, sailors, ■ marines and others who gave their lives to their , country in the World war.” The President’s Statement. In connection with the order, th President authorized this statement: “There has been transmitted to. me a suggestion that I name Sunday, November 14, as Armistice Sunday, in order that the religious services held throughout the country on that day may be given an especial note of remembrance for the heroic services and sacrifices -of those who died for America in the World war. “The selection of a formal day which shall annually be set aside to commemorate our participation in the World war will some day doubtless be effected through legislation, and already Memorial day, rich in heroic memories, has acquired additional significance as being appropriate also to the commemoration of the heroes of the World war. I am, however, so heartily in favor of the suggestion that has been made that I take this occasion to express publicly iny approval of the idea.

Armistice Day Memorable. “November 14, 1918, will always be memorable as the beginning of the end of the most terrible and destructive of all wars. Our beloved country took a noble part in hastening the arrival of tbe day hailed by the whole world as the dawn of peace; but close upon the day of victory followed realization of loss, and the anniversary will bring with it solemn thoughts to the minds of every American, memories of brave men who fell, sympathy for their living relatives and those Religious reflections in which nations, like individuals, must seek hope and consolation. — —-■ ———— “That Sunday, November 14, this year beirc the Sunday immediately following the anniversary, should be observed in all our churches by spitable memorial services for the heroic American soldiers, sailors and marines who gave their lives to their country In the World war, seems to be eminently fitting and proper, and I commend the suggestion to those who conduct such service.” '