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| This picture was taken in Pottsville September 1, 1919 at the parade held by all Countians to celebrate the end of World War I. Most of the men of our county who served in this war were miners and here is their song: |
The Battlefields Of France
I'm proud to say that I'm from P.A. where, the mining boys are loyal,
Where they cut that coal in that manly hole, so deep beneath the soil.
They're familiar with the powder smoke, for gas they have no fear,
And among the bravest of the brave are the miners who volunteered.
They love the flag of liberty, the red, the white and blue;
They love the miners' union, and to it will stick true.
Their leaders are all honest men, John Mitchell, Hayes and White,
And in nineteen-two they showed the world how the mining boys could fight.
Then hurrah for President Wilson; he is honest, loyal and shrewd
And the miners are all with him for whatever he may do.
Some laid their picks and shovels down and threw away their lamps;
They are fighting for Democracy on the battlefields of France.
And if you want to meet good people, in the coal fields you will find
They are brave and daring heroes that work down in the mines;
They spend their money freely and to strangers they are kind
And that's the class of men you meet in the towns around the mines.
They fought for forty years or more to win the eight-hour day,
At last they have succeeded with a large advance in pay.
And now they will fight for Uncle Sam against the bitter foe;
They will shoulder guns for America and to France they want to go.
Then hurrah for Mitchell, Hayes and White, to the miners they proved true,
And the miners are all with them for whatever they can do.
Some laid their picks and shovels down and threw away their lamps;
They are fighting for Old Glory now, on the battlefields of France.
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, of Columbus, Ohio, dean of American aces, is believed to have fired the last shot of the war. He was given the honor of making the last flight over the German lines before the Armistice became effective. He poured 850 rounds of shot into a German transport column in one minute. He was decorated with the American Distinguished Service Cross and was granted a medal by the French Government.
A local newspaper printed this article: An Opinion of the United Press... "Girls, Take this hint if you want to please the boys. When the boys come home they will be so tired of everything military, that it behooves the girls to lay aside all those cute little semi-uniforms and war-like paraphernalia if they wish to resume diplomatic relations."
Our town was represented in this parade with two hundred Frackville soldiers who paraded around town before boarding a trolley for Pottsville.
The poem, "The Battlefields of France" is listed with permission of Mrs. Rae Korson. It is quoted from the book, "Minstrels of the Mine Patch" compiled by her husband, George Korson.
Go to the John P. Harris biography which was originally printed with this tale (now located in the Old Timers section).