The Oregonian, 2 May 1918, page 16
No recognition by patriotic Americans should be given the individual who at this time holds conscientious scruples against fighting, yet who insists upon remaining in this country and enjoying the fruits of battle, fought by others, declared N. G. Pike, member of the Board of Education, in an address to the executives and their staffs at the Union Stockyards yesterday noon.
A beautiful silk service flag, upon which glittered 20 blue stars, representing as many of the firm’s men who have volunteered, was dedicated, and by its side was unfurled to the breeze the Stars and Stripes.
The programme, which consisted of community singing, led by Miss Goldie Peterson; a brief introductory speech by W. H. Daughtrey, president of the company, and the address by Mr. Pike, was arranged by L. R. McGee, secretary-treasurer of the company, and W. H. Warren, assistant industrial secretary of the Portland Y. M. C. A.
“We are here,” said Mr. Daughtrey, “to dedicate our service flag and to christen a new American flag. The principles for which the Stars and Stripes stand are well known to us. We must do our part in defending them.”
I wonder if we all know what we are here for?” queried Mr. Pike, upon being introduced by Mr. Daughtrey. “I have often asked myself that question when addressing crowds like this. Do we people of this great country, who remain at home, realize what must be done to preserve liberty and uphold the American ideals?”
Mr. Pike then gave expression to his disgust at the manner in which pacifists take advantage of the privileges of a free country, yet refuse to fight for it.
“THere are slackers and slackers,” said Mr. Pike. “ Years ago a fellow named Jonah was told to do a job and refused. He sailed on a ship, and he made so much trouble they threw him overboard. He then got inside of a whale, which spewed him out after three days. If a whale had to carry around one of our modern-day pacifists it would chuck him in a few hours.
“We must do our part in this fight, and if there is anyone who don’t like this country better than any other—enough to fight for it—let them go back to the one they like better—and the sooner the better.” (Cheers)
Among the things all of the home folks can do, said Mr. Pike, is to write to the boys often and not neglect this, thereby giving them the impression that we have forgotten them.
Following are the names of the volunteers represented on the service flag:
- J. E. Duffy
- R. E. Brock
- E. B. Hughes
- H. E. MacDonald
- G. R. McLeod
- Lloyd Bailey
- Al Kidwell
- Joe Hill
- Earl Cole
- C. C. Cruse
- Jack Hunt
- Milton Penfield
- Kenneth Goodall
- Max Schultz
- E. Creighton
- Roy Buckley
- Art McAlister
- Warren Lewis
- Melvin O'Shea
- E. Williams
