Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on November 11, 1935.

CITY OBSERVES ARMISTICE DAY; SALUTE FIRED

Legion Members Conduct Program Which Includes Speeches at City Schools and University

ROOSEVELT HONORS UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Uncovered heads turned toward the east in Valparaiso today as hundreds stood at attention in commemoration of the signing of the Armistice which halted hostilities of the World War seventeen years ago.

Charles Pratt Post of the American Legion, took charge of the outward activities of today’s celebration, with many former soldiers in uniform and a firing squad firing a three-round salute at the courthouse square.

At 11 a.m., a halt was called for all activities throughout the city. At that moment those in the downtown district faced east as soldiers fired volleys. A bugler sounded taps immediately thereafter.

In city schools, members of the local American Legion post spoke to the students. Commander T.O. Dillon, of the local post, was speaker at the Gardner school; Howard D. Clark at the Banta school; John W. Larrew, at the Central grades, a Edmund J. Freund at the Central junior high school and Columbia schools.

Attorney Ira C. Tilton spoke at the Armistice Day celebration held this morning at Valparaiso university, where a large gathering of the student body assembled for impressive rites.

At Valparaiso high school a fine program was given by the students. “America, the Beautiful,” was sung by the students under the direction of Mrs. Mary Myers, supervisor of music, after which Superintendent Roy B. Julian read selected scriptures. A vocal solo “There Is No Death”, was rendered by Prof. Burton L. Conkling, of the high school faculty.

Talks were made by Harry LaForce, high school senior, on “The American Spirit”, and by William Burk, also a high school senior, on “The Zero Hour.” Principal H.M. Jesse spoke on “Fort McHenry, the Scene of the Writing of the National Emblem.”

James Stoner, a high school senior, sounded taps, and the students were dismissed for the noon recess.

Importance of Armistice day was also registered in the religious services held on Sunday when members of the American Legion attended the Methodist Episcopal church at the morning service and heard a splendid address on “The Man Power of America,” by Rev. J. E. Porter, pastor of the church and a chaplain in France during the World War. in the evening at the Presbyterian church a union Armistice Day service was held in the evening with Rev. Porter and Rev. Chester W. Wharton presenting “A Conversation with the Unknown Soldier.” Large crowds attended the services.