“To the Citizens of Williamsport

“Twenty years ago on November 11, 1918, the loud mouthed guns grew still on the foreign battlefield, armies and armaments ceased their work of slaughter, the war to end war had drawn to a close, and it was the hope of mankind that thenceforth the sword would never again rule the sanctuary of conscience. Our troops laid aside their arms and returned to their native soil.

“But today that hope of peace has been shattered, in Spain, in China, in Slovakia, Ethiopia, Japan and Russia, where we hear the rattle of the saber. While at home in our own land we are at peace with the world.

“The American Legion and the veterans of that great conflict have designated 11 a.m. on November 11, 1938 — the eleventh month, the eleventh day, the eleventh hour — as a period of remembrance and call upon the citizens for its brief recognition. Arrangements have been completed for speakers to visit and address the pupils of all the public and private schools our city on that day and hour and remembering that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, all people who have for 20 years enjoyed that priceless freedom from wars and conflicts that vex us today, should wholeheartedly cooperate with the spirit of patriotism that inspired recognition of this eventful hour.

“As Mayor of the City of Williamsport, I hereby call upon all our people to display the American flag at their homes or places of business and wherever they may be at 11 a.m. on November 11 and however engaged, pause for one minute in memory of the living and the dead who participated in the World War and to offer a fervent prayer to Almighty God, that we never again will be called upon to lift the sword in preservation or defense of our peace and liberties.”