Judge Silzer Compliments Milltown at Unveiling Of World War Monument
MILLTOWN. July 5th-Before an assemblage of nearly 1,500 people the monument erected by the people of this place to their war dead was unveiled yesterday morning after one of the finest parades ever held in the borough. Practically the whole community turned out in tribute to the memory of the men who died in the struggle against militarism and autocracy.
The feeling of the community was voiced by Judge George S. Silzer of Metuchen who mentioned the help he received from the citizens when he started to practice law, and T. F.. Meaney, vice Commander of the American Legion, Department of New Jersey, who addressed the big assemblage which gathered near the monument at the Intersection of Ford avenue. and Main street.
“This is a momentous day in the history of the borough to whose citizens I owe considerable gratitude,” declared Judge Slizer In opening his address. “You are to be congratulated on the good sense displayed in the erection of such a fine monument which is to attribute to those men who went out from the homes of this town to fight that the world should be made free from autocracy.”
He declared that we should pray that God will never permit the tics that now bind America and France to be severed and that the 30% of our State suffering from the serious effects of the great struggle should be cared for through the best means that can Le provided as this is a duty and should be a privilege
To climax his remarks he appealed to the gathering to read at least once a year the Declaration of Independence.
T. F. Meaney, vice commander of the American Legion of New Jersey, was the next speaker, He delivered a most stirring address on the perpetuation of American institutions. He made a strong appeal to every citizen of this town and country to be 100 per cent. American.
Having served in the great conflict he could speak from experience and thus held his hearers spell bound during his excellent address.
Big Parade.
The parade in which about half the population of the town took part in marched through the main street headed by Marshalls Lins Beecher and Rupprecht. followed by Mayor H. R. B. Meyers and counsel, Michelin band, G. A. R. veterans of Milltown and New Brunswick in automobiles. memorial committee. Perry-Worthge Post, Spanish-American War veterans of New Brunswick who had an excellent representation in line, French War veterans of New York, and representatives of the French consul.
Local French veterans deserve much praise for the number of men in line and the interest manifested. They were headed by Captain P. Cholet a member of the memorial committee. The children of the public school did their bit to add to the parade by having a large number in line.
Next the Boy Scout organization in full strength, followed by representation of the Charles L Walters Council and Rescue Council. Last but by no means least came the fire department in full array, trailed by its fine engine.
W. G. Evans, chairman of the memorial committee, with a few chosen words presented the monument to Mayor H. R. B. Meyers, who in a most gracious manner accepted it on behalf of the peoples of the town.
He stated that it was with a feeling of great pride to accept it and to have the honor of being delegated to such a pleasant task. He complimented the memorial committee and Chairman Evans very highly.
At the first notes of the “Star Spangled Banner” as played by the Michelin band, Mrs.S. Rappleyea. mother of George Worthge who died in a hospital in France and Miss Patience Perry, sister of Spencer Perry who made the supreme sacrifice while in action “over there,” pulled the ropes that re- leaned “Old Glory” and revealed a fine granite piece, nine feet high. with a bronze tablet of a “dough- boy” and the following inscription, “In memory of those from Mill- town who served in the World War. Erected 1922.” This is at the head of a concrete wall in the center of which will be seen beautiful shrubbery to add to the beauty of the place.
Right soon the other end of the plot will be adorned by a cannon which is to be given the town. Further electric light will add greatly so that when all details are carried out which could not be taken care of until the monument was placed, something most appealing to the eye and pride of all Milltown will be the outcome.
Receive Colors.
Prior to the parade the Boy Scout troop was presented with colors by T. F. Meaney, through the Perry-Worthge Post. The gift was most greatly appreciated.
The library will be open at the usual hours this afternoon and evening. It was cloned yesterday owing to the holiday.
