Citizens Awakened Early to Spend the Whole Day
Celebrating Triumph of the Allied Armies
Splendid Community Exercises
No American could live through such a day of rejoicing as
Monday was without becoming a better American. There
never was but one other day whose significance compared with
Liberty Day, Monday, November the 11th, 1918. That other day
was December the 25th, one thousand nineteen hundred and eighteen
years ago, when the Christ came to proclaim the principles for
which the armies of the Allied nations fought and achieved. The
two events in history are so closely affiliated and their import
so synonymous that one cannot but feel that there has been a
new birth that Christianity about which has centered all the
world's progress, and for whose teachings millions have given
their lives.
It is estimated that the great conflict has cost more than
twenty-five million casualties and it is going to take the best
that
nineteen hundred years of Christianity's teachings has given
the world, inculcated into the peace terms, and practiced by
all the nations of the world, to make the supreme effort worth
while. Even through the misty veil of millions of tearful eyes
of joy and sorrow alike, we can boldly and thoughtfully proclaim
that it has been worth while. Forever the theory of might making
right has been relegated as inconsistent with civilization;s
high purposes. If the man lives in America or in any of the Allied
nations who has not grasped this truth, the world's bloodshed
has been in vain for him.
The joyful news came to Brodhead before four Monday morning,
and bells rang out a message all understood, and all
day long throngs mingled, with happy faces. At two o'clock
a parade was formed, headed by the Juvenile Band, the Fire Department
following, then preceded by a group of mothers and sisters of
men in service, bearing tenderly the beautiful service flag,
upon which were nearly two hundred stars representing young men
from the immediate community who were in the service. The local
drum corps followed leading more than three hundred school children,
and several creditable floats and special formations. The line
of march took the parade through the principal streets, and all
gathered about the Honor Roll, in the public square. Rev. David
LEVIN presided and in his happy manner aroused all to enthusiastic
demonstration. Prayer was offered by Rev. BROWN, and the Community
Chorus under the direction of Miss Charlotte PRESTON, led in
the singing of the national anthems. Mrs. A. Douglas BROWN sang
impressively "When the Boys Come Home." Mr. LEVIN introduced
Mr. P. F. NEVERMAN, chairman of the County Council of Defense,
who paid most glowing tribute to America's part in the war. It
was a magnificent demonstration, and reflected the splendid community
spirit of Brodhead. The bells chimed out the joyful message of
peace all day long and well into the night. For several hours
after supper young and old gathered upon the streets; listened
to martial music and just let themselves loose to give vent to
their joy.
Brodhead has played its part well in war, found its full
measure of joy in the prospects for peace and stands ready to
do
all that is demanded in the forthcoming months of reconstruction,
a part which all must recognize as an approaching duty.