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kasyB UJOSEPH O’BRIENFUNERAL SUNDAYRemains Brought Home FromitFrance. Impressive Services Held(Continued from Page 1) to til© death ot Mr. O’Brien, he regarded it aa a privilege to tight for such a country as we possess. It represents the highest aims and attain-signing ot the armistice. They were,of course, for several weeks, under painful suspense on not hearing trom him, Monday, December 23, his name appeared in some of tho doilies with a list of those who were wounded, the degree undetermined. On Christmas eve Mr. O'Brien wired Washington, stating that reportb were conflicting and asked for definite information concerning his son. A few days later a telegram sent In reply to his anxious inquiry, gave the sad news that Joseph had beeu killed in action. It is needless to say that the depressing information occasioned general gor-ment of free government. Mr. O'Brien [row in our community anil throughout did honor to the flag ho loved, during the county.his service as a soldier and Ills country, in return, honored him in bringing his body back and in extollinghis many valiant deeds in lighting Cor^•Old Glory. He appealed to all pres-11 ; eat to liveCor their country b.v leading pure, upright, honorable lives. AllMr. O'Brien participated In several of the warmest engagements of the world war. Only those who were on the front lines can realize the trying weeks he experienced before the final end came. He met death while fighting bravely and valiantly for the flag’ he loved. Several months before lie' j who heard ike scholarly, venerable ...............‘ j speaker were edilied with his admir-[had left Emmets burg, his happy homecl. in . k I . - .Sjable. sympathetic, patriotic discourse.! ftutl his endearing surroundings, re-ThDinas Joseph O'Brien was born spoiuUlig ardently and patriotically to11 in Great Oak township October 27,-.1887. His age Was 31. Ho manhood in this community.°TC’:V tOhis country’s call to duty. He was willing and ready to defend, with liisHo fol- heart’s blood, tlie principles o£free- I ' * i.--— * A *lowed fanning most of the time. When government that are so dearly prizedwar was declared it became his duty 3 j to respond to the call of his country. He was named as a substitute for the contingent that left Emmetsburg April 20 but practically all who were summoned at that time reported for duty and he had to wait until May 10. Another substitute who was named !to report was Henry Hagan of Ayrshire. He had the same experience as Mr. O'Brien and regretted very much to have to prepare a second time to take his final departure from his parents and other relatives. Messrs.by our citizens. A few wearisome, trying weeks were spent in camp and finally the hazardous trip across the briny deep, with threatening, death-dealing submarines on all sides, was taken. Prance was reached in safety but in a short time he was ordered to the front. He took his place in several of the hardest lines of battle. The deafening roars of artillery and the fierce charges of infantry and machine gun forces that followed are understood only by those who were engaged in the never-to-be-forgottenHagan and O’Brien headed the pro- struggle. The conflict, whichcession on May 10 as they Heft the court house to board the train. Neither of them ever returned home on awasundoubtedly the most sanguinary in the world's history, continued with unabated fury for months. The forcesj furlough. After leaving Emmetsburg! that marched onward under the stars . -Mr. O’Brien entered Jefferson Bar-j and stripes never yielded a foot. On racks, Missouri. Later he spent some j the contra try, they pressed forward time at Camp McArthur. He went i steadfastly, unflinchingly, trhniiph-across August 7. Soon after landing, antly. Chateau Thierry, the Argoiuiehe^was sent to the front. This rather severe on a private whowashadcomparatively little experience. He participated in the battles of Chemain jd'Darnes, St. Mehiel, Verdun and other engagements. In one of his letters ^ra?, he stated that he was writ insWoods, St. Mehiel, Somtu and other important points ou the Meuse were gradually won but at a great, a most lamentable sacrifice. Mr. O'Brien, in every engagement, represented well the genius, the pluck, the steadfastness c* the manhood of our com mun-•j in a trench and that he had been overjoy in tho repeated, successful bat-j ihe top twice. He was killed in action I ties in which he fought, but heI on the Hauaiont Sector October 17, j finally fell as his heroic comrades |13iS. Father John B. deValles officii a- were hopefully pushing onward tovictory. He gave his young ]j?e that the honor of our country might bei ted at his burial.I Mr. O’Brien is survived by his parents and three sisters. The sisters '’Rented and the safety of democra ; are Mrs. M. Schuller of Mallard, by be secure. The people of our Mrs. Owen Golden cf Spirit Lake and *itr--e in which lie spent the years Hiss Coletta, who is at home. One of oE iliS eai‘iy boyhood and his useful , the most sorrowing stirvivors is liis heli,l'ul, exemplary manhood, will reaged grandmother, Mrs. John Hand, who is now ninety years of age, and who has of late years made her home with her daughter, Mrs. O’Brien.•Mr. O’Brien was, it will be noticed, killed on October 17. His parents ware not notified that ha was missing until December 14, a month after theSHOWptember29irican Legionore, la., and George Weldin n have met twice before tee for a purse of $50.00.Roundsk, and Eddie Root of Roch-?ries of Sioux City, the only iaimant of Iowa and South Kid Pierce won 38 out of deep twice, so he must have s assured. 10 three-miautemember him gratefully and fondly Tor. liis services as a sterling, dutiful soldier and as an upright, highmindech patriotic citizen/ *The military exercises at the cemetery were,' ss usual, impressive. The bright, beautiful silk flag carried by the color hearer, floated slowly, sor-rowly, it seemed, in the mild September breeze. The accompanying members of the American Legion, with bowed heads and sober faces, took their accustomed places and tlie hand played softly a plaintive dirge, Then Father Savage spoke for ten or twelve minutes, opening his remarks by alluding to the mtDite sacrifice made by-Christ on Calvary for the salvation of the human race. The soldier, who, like Joseph O’Brien, died in defense of his flag, gives the greatest sacrifice it is possible for him to offer for hia country. The heart of Mary, mother of Jesus, was filled with anguish over the loss of her divine son but she was willing to bear- the burden in order that mankind might be redeemed. The speaker hoped, he knew that Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien and the sisters of the young man who was about to be consigned to his last resting place were satisfied with the sacrifice Joseph had made in order that the causa of human liberty might be promoted and strengthened. Father Savage spoke instructively and impressively and his discourse could be distinctly heard by the exceptionally large number who were present. In mournful, measured tones, the sad notes of the bugle rang out and faintly, Touchingly the doleful eCho came bacx from the hill above. The solemn obsequies had been brought to a close, with moistened eyes and hushed voices, the large number who had gathered to witness the burial withdrew from the resting p]ace of the deadarid returned to their homes. It was not necessary to offer formal sympathy to the sorrowing relatives. Theaffecting scene was far more cxpres-B!ve of the £ri*f of the assembled multitude than language could make known.
Newspaper Details
Emmetsburg Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa, US
Wed, Sep 21, 1921
Page 2
Full Page
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NA, NA 23 Oct 2021
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