Berrien Springs High School - Canoe Yearbook (Berrien Springs, MI)

Page 19 text:

1 H “Over Here” $ s By NATALIA JORDAN “It’s Tommy this an’ Tommy that, an’ ‘chuck ’im out, the brute,’ but it’s ‘Savior of ’is country’ when the guns begin to shoot.” They are coming home; from France, her skies now sunny again; from Italy, washed by the Mediterranean; from fields of glory, and the question arises, to what are they coming? This dreaded demobilization period for America will prove the greatest good fortune that ever befell a people, if the responsibility which is ours is carried out by government and communities. Though the clash of arms and the roar of battle have ceased, and uniforms are laid aside, making these heroes less interesting and appealing, they still need our careful consideration. Many boys left school to follow the flag, and these will be given the opportunity to take up their studies again in any desired line. Those who have had practically no education have realized by contact with educated men, and by travel, that with learning they could have benefitted much more by every experience, and now they plan to specialize in some line. These boys, returning, may think the town is small and neighborhood affairs petty, but be patient with them. Think of their experiences, where they have traveled, and the world’s crisis they have helped to decide. Their views of life are changed and everyday occurrences which cause us much trouble do not annoy them at all. They have lived thru experiences at the Front which will leave strange hidden scars, and even if they only waited in camps behind the lines, they were sitll living in a different manner than ever before, and the peace came as a shock to them. The boys themselves tell us that they will miss the social intercourse, the Y. M. C. A.

Page 18 text:

change her spirit toward other people if she wishes to be equal to France, England or America. The spirit of militarism must be stamped out. The political organization must take a new turn with the individuals ruling themselves. When nationalism triumphs over imperialism, when Pan-Germanism gives way to national feeling, when barbarism is overcome by regard for humanity, then and only then may we look for a prosperous and peaceful Germany.

Page 20 text:

huts, the other boys, the entertainments, all the many things which made living bearable while they were enduring such hardships in this world struggle. It is thru this period of reorganization and readjustment that you can render the greatest service to the returned soldiers and sailors. The work which for two years has been'done by the nation in co-operation now is left to communities and individuals. People have been asking why the popular “at-homes” of the soldiers’ and sailors’ clubs should not be continued in the social centers, and why should not the facilities for recreation and athletics be placed at their disposal when they return to civilian life? Since the signing of the armistice and the firm establishment of peace, there has been no more vital question pertaining to community life than that of a fitting memorial for those who gave their services to the cause of freedom. What will be the form of the memorial? What can express most fittingly the communities’ gratitude, her reverence for the memory of those who sacrificed their lives, and appreciation to the men and women who have given their services to help in this world war? In past ages war heroes have been honored by bronze statues and monuments, but it is predicted now that the American memorial will be the community house. The need for these buildings, and a closer community of interests, and central meeting place of the people is an outgrowth of the war, which has taught us the valuable lesson of co-operation.. Though many of these buildings have been dedicated to the soldiers and their families during the war, they may now serve as social centers for all civic activities. The days of the future are to be reconstruction days, and the building of the citizens of the future one of the most important problems of reconstruction. Many towns boast of having voted out the saloon and having passed a curfew law, but notable as these reforms are, the fact that there may be no library, reading room, Y. M. C. A., social center or recreation park, is of far greater importance. The government is taking care of the disabled soldiers