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Local History

Spanish War Veterans Observe Flag Day

Spanish War veterans to observe Flag Day
Springfield Republican, June 9, 1908, page 7.

"H. Stuart, commander of Ozark Camp No. 9, United Spanish War Veterans, whose address is 1109 East Commercial Street, and L. U. McLaughlin adjutant of the same organization, whose address is Broad and Talmadge Streets, have issued an appeal to the Spanish War veterans of Springfield to display the stars and stripes on Flag Day, which will be observed next Saturday. Concerning the organization of the local camp Commander Stuart has the following to say:
"‘For some time past Ozark Camp No. 9, United Spanish War Veterans, has been at a standstill. There was organized here a camp in November, 1907, with twenty-five charter members. The organization did not nor has it flourished any for the past six months on account of not getting at a great number of the veterans who live in and about Springfield. The object of the organization of the United Spanish War Veterans is to promote good citizenship, get acquainted with each other and to uplift the noble qualities of American citizenship. It is a noble order and should appeal to each and every soldier who served in the army, navy or marine of the United States prior to July 2, 1902.

"‘It is the same or nearly so, as the Grand Army of the Republic, and a more noble or true set of men you will not find. In the United Spanish War Veterans you will find no north, no south, no east and no west, but a band of comrades all joined together to uphold Old Glory. At some future date, which will be announced later in this paper, there will be an open meeting held in the court house and the order will be further perfected.
‘I would further ask each and every member of Ozark Camp No. 9, United Spanish War Veterans, to display the flag on June 13, 1908, as well as all Spanish-American war veterans to also display the flag."

Flag day is June 14. For more information see Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt, his cowboy regiment, and the immortal charge up San Juan Hill by Mark Lee Gardner.

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