War Declared 1917

GRIMES

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/23/2019 at 08:21:16

Decatur County Journal
Thursday, April l2, l9l7

The House of Representatives last Friday morning at 3 o'clock passed the war resolution previously passed by the Senate declaring that a state of war between the United States and the Imperial German Government existed. This action had been expected for some days. War preparations are being hurried in every department of the Government Service. Huge patriotic meetings are being held in every city and most every town in the nation where enthusiasm runs high and the eligible young men, fired with patriotism, are enlisting in both the Army and Navy in large numbers.

The news that war had been declared reached Leon by telegraph Friday morning early and immediately every business house in the city displayed the grand old stars and stripes in their places of business and in front of their establishments. A large flag was placed upon the roof of the Court House, a flag was placed upon the stand pipe of the city water works and everywhere the United States flag floated in the breeze. Many private homes displayed the flag as well. At the Idle Hour Theatre that evening "The Star Spangled Banner" was sung by MISS CECILE GRIMES as the stars and stripes were flashed upon the screen. The audience voiced their approval most enthusiastically. Everywhere patriotism and interest in the war declaration was apparent. Messages from South America indicate that Brazil will also declare war against Germany as Cuba has already done. Other South American countries are expected to follow the lead of Brazil and join the United States in a declaration of war.

Copied April 9, 2002 by Nancee McMurtrey Siefert