OCR Text |
Show m VOL. XXIV NOVEMBER 11, 1950. NO. 1 News and Features oi Interest to Residents of Davis County. LAYTON, DAVIS COUNTY, UTAH V'' V Just 32 years ago today, the first World War officially ended on the 1 1th hour of the 11th day of the 1 1th month. The war had cost the world 37,508,686 military casualties, im- measurable human suffering, and billions of dollars. When hostilities ceased there was deep rejoicing, and the day that peace came has been preserved since as a day of tribute and remembrance. With the first Armistice Day there came the belief that'at last the world's longing for a peace that could be perpetuated had been fulfilled. All of mankind seemed bound together in a solemn determination that the specter of war would never again be invoked as the arbitrator of differences. Since that time the world has been plunged into a second World War, and we are presently engaged in an action in Korea that offers to be the opening phase of a third world conflict. That which was thought to be the dawn f after the Armistice, turnperpetual peace ed out to be an illusion. The "determination" tor peace revealed itself as mere "wishful linking," the aggrandisement and glorification of peace was debauched into a popu-a- r and stylish theme, taken for granted, that 1 characterized the rhetoric and ostentation of a fortunate era. People extolled the virtues of peace, but became indolent in the task of laying a basis upon which peace could long rest. People shouted the folly of war, but seemed indif- ferent to the places where war was festering. War in China and in Spain seemed remote and insignificant in the light of our own aloof and majestic idolatry of peace. Movements that bespoke a preparation for war in Germany and Italy were not big enough to detract us from our devotion to peace. ' We were so taken up with peace that war came upon us undetected. The great era of peace that was to have followed the first armistice never material- ized. Again, after the second World War, and with greater dispatch the hopes for lasting peace were dissipated and lost. We failed in each instance to learn the lesson that a mere desire for peace is not enough to insure peace. We discovered too late that the best way of promoting peace is to remain alert and sufficiently strong to discourage a war potential as soon as it shows t itself. Armistice Day is the time to pause and take note of what has happened in the past and resolve that the mistakes will not be repeated. That is the most fitting way of honoring the Armistice. Various ceremonies will be conducted in Davis county in tribute to the occasion. An Armistice Day program will be sponsored by Layton American Legion post 87 Saturday evening from 6 to 7 :30 p. m. An Armistice Day gathering, to which all veterans and their partners are invited, will be sponsored by the Kaysville Legion Post Saturday evening. |