1925 MILTON ARMISTICE DAY PROGRAM

1925 ARMISTICE DAY

MILTON DELAWARE

Milton was the only Sussex county Delaware town to celebrate Armistice Day.

At 9:30 that morning the parade began at the school house, all along the parade route, the line of march, houses were decorated with American, red, white and blue, flags. World War I veterans led the parade, carrying a large American Flag that had been presented to the Legion Post by a family whose son had been buried by that Legion Post with a Military Funeral, then came Dr. Hopkins with the Milton Band, next was an automobile in which rode Civil War Veterans, E.E. Collins, William Fearing, William T. Collins and James Leonard. Over 200 school children and teachers, carrying American flags followed. After the automobile carrying the speaker and the ministers came decorated floats of the Milton New Century Club, Intermediate Christian Endeavor, the I.O.O.F Golden Rule Lodge, the the Red Men's Lodge marched with flags and last was the float with “America” and an American soldier.

Fox Hall held the exercises an was decorated by the New Century club with holly, pine, American flags, Red Cross posters, and war relics.

The program opened with the singing of “America” led by Rev. Eldridge of the Methodist Episcopal church , after which the Rev. Lewis Sasse of the Episcopal church offered prayer. John Fisher, chairman, presided, telling that the American Legion had made the efforts possible.

At 11 o'clock the fire house siren sounded and two minutes of silence was observed. Milton resident Leon Black blew “TAPS” followed by a salute to the flag by the school children. The presence of the Red Cross was announced by Mrs LeRoy Lynch, charirmen . Rev. Eldridge led all in singing, “The Long, Long,Trail” , “Till Wee Meet Again”, “Keep The Home Fires Burning” and “Marching Through Georgia”. The pianist was Delma Simpler.

Featured at the exercise was the recitation of “Flanders Field” by George Goodwin and Katherine Dickerson's “Americas Answer”.

After singing by the school children of “Our Delaware” Representative Robert G. Houston gave his address.

Closing the program was “The Star Spangled Banner” and benediction by Rev. Townsend of the Methodist Protestant church.

Representative Robert G. Houston told on Armistice Day we should rejoice our freedom, and it means so much to our veterans and families of those who did not return. He hopes it will mark the end of wars for all nations. He tells us that war is due to selfishness, failure to accept another viewpoint. Our minds need to be trained to love peace, admire heroes of peace.

John Fisher was chairman of the 1925 Milton Armistice Day celebration and responsible for the success. He is an WWI overseas veteran serving in Company I, 113^th Infantry , 29^th Division and is an officer with the American Legion Milford Post.

ABSRACT

WILMINGTON NEWS JOURNAL, NOVEMBER 12, 1925