Hundreds Pay Honor to Memory of George A. Beach |
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Hearts bowed down in grief because the community had given the life of one of its brightest young
men found a measure of relief in the memorial services held yesterday afternoon in the college auditorium for George A. Beach.
Hundreds filled the auditorium and there were hundreds of others who were unable to find even standing room. But those how heard
the words of men and the music of others carried away hears differently attuned by the hour's service. A deep impression was left by the men, women and children that while a life had gone out it had not been in vain and that there is a duty for each one in feebly attempting to compensate for that life by doing something for the nation and for the fight being waged in the interests of humanity. The music rendered had its part in touching the hearts. The Cadet band's "Star Spangled Banner," following "Taps," by W. G. Soles, while the picture of George Beach was flashed on the draped flag in the front of the audience. "Keep the Home Fires Burning," by Messrs. Auld, Goff, Schureman and Cooke, a vocal solo by Harry Bottoms and a violin solo by Miss Lillian Burnstein were very effective and much relief was found in the music. Very impressive were the services and not the least was the prayer offered by Rev. Lynn D. Cartwright while the hundreds of people stood with bowed heads. L D Crain, grand master of the Colorado lodge of Masons, acted as chairman of the services, which were attended by high school students, Boy Scouts, college students, G. A. R., Masons and hundreds of men and women. He said George Beach was in the front rank of his class in high school,k was at the front, when he attended college here, and was in the front when he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When the call to war came it was but natural that he be in the front rank and he answered the first call in support of his nation's honor. He went to France and then to Italy, where he lost his life. Giving that life should prove an inspiration, to all for "a re-dedication of ourselves in the support of the nation and the humanity of the world." He spoke of the fight for a government, by the will of the people by so-called divine right. He referred to the death of George Beach as bringing a benediction upon the people of the community. The inspiration of George Beach was also referred to in the fact that he did not confine himself to his education, but that he found inspiration among his fellows, and in 1915 became a Mason, and while in Boston became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. A. H. Dunn, superintendent of schools, said the death of George Beach was a personal as well as national affair. For personal rights and national liberties he had given his utmost--his life. |
With much feeling Mr. Dunn spoke of the personal side of Mr. Beach. He was a body who played in
the home streetas and attended the home schools. He was the finest product ever sent out of the high school. In his death there
came home a common grief which turned the city into a lodge of sorrow. The manifest grief, on all sides was due the memory of
George Beach. He said that George Beach had one of the most brilliant minds of the hundreds of boys and girls he had come in
contact with in the school room. It was a pleasure to recall some of the facts in connection with his school days. To graduate, 72 credits were required, but George Beach had 92. Out of 25 subjecfts he had less than 90 in only one, and his average was 93 per cent. He was at the head of his class when he graduated. These facts did not make him conceited, but developed an exceptional personal character. He was always cheerful and an inspiration to the school teacher. He was always open and simplicity, sincerity and honesty were his marked characteristics. When he left the school he carried with him the unanimous respect, esteem and love of every teacher and pupil. From Italy he wrote his parents that he believed he had earned what he got in referring to his coming commission as a lieutenant. Here Mr. Dunn compared the little sacrifices of these at home in conserving a bit of corn or wheat to the blasting of such a career as was in store for George Beach. "When right wins victory and when the boys come marching home, may we be able to say, 'I have done my part,' and may we feel that we have done our part in earning the victory." Dr. Lory spoke of his acquaintance with the young man even before Mr. Beach had left the high school. The two were often together and plans were confided to the college president. After a year in college as planned, George left for Boston to take up further studies, and it was in his going that Dr. Lory felt the value of Western training would be vindicated in the Eastern school. His progress was watched. The young man was a magnificent specimen of American manhood. Physically and mentally he was well trained, and there could not have been found a young man better able to represent this community. Always dong his best, he enlisted and took the field of the greatest opportunities--aviation. "In this there is an object lesson. It shows the value of making the best of opportunities and in the serving of humanity and the country in war and peace. It brings home intimately the lesson of war and of duty. We must make a decision to pay the price. Our sacrifices are but small compared to him who sacrificed a bright future which was given up willingly. "What will we give and how far are we ready to go? That little is not much compared with the size of the task in the war nations. What are we doing in comparison to what he has |
done and what must be done? "His spirit is calling to us that all is well with him. We must set ourselves to the task of doing our utmost and to do aws much as he did. We must answer him and answer that all is right with us, and we will do as much for the flag." Introduced as our "fellow-citizen," Fred Farrar, former attorney general, found it impossible to make a memorial address but he spoke from his heart as one of the stricken community. "Let this be our dedication," he said. "The spirit of dedication is here. Recently I was in Washington and saw conditions there. I wish President Wilson and his advisors and the people of the capital of the nation might see the spirit of dedication, inspired by the sacrifice of a son of this community. They would be moved by this spirit. There is no need for a dedicatory address. In the minds of all there is the spirit of dedication. "This young man was the vicarious example of this community. In the years to come his mother will be encompassed with a spirit of joy that her son was able to give her life for his fellow man. "We weep and wail and wonder what there is in the future as we look on this conflict of the light of civilization against darkness. God is working out his plans to a certain destiny and he is not gathering to Him untried men but men of character. This young man many not be great to the world but as the grain of sand turned the drops of water which later determined the course of a continental stream so this community may be turned to affect the course of a nation. The development of race and soul are to fit the souls of men for companionship with God, in his life is our dedication if we but see the lesson, His life blood is the consecration of body and mind and points us to do our part in the struggle for humanity. In the Napoleonic wars there was a granadier who performed great deeds of valor. He soon became famed for his noble deeds. After he had given up his life on the field of battle his fame was just that it was decided to keep his memory fresh.l It waws the custom every day at roll call to call his name and in response a soldier, stepped forward and answered 'Dead on the field of honor.' "When we think of George Beach the answer must always be 'Dead on the field of honor.'" |
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