Impressive Chapel Held Armistice Day (1921)

[The following is an article excerpt from the 1921 Ring-tum Phi describing an Armistice Day service at W&L. For more info, visit W&L Special Collection.]

(Interior of Lee Chapel | SOURCE: Washington and Lee University)

Standing with bowed heads in Lee Chapel with the marble likeness of the great leader seen through the curtains behind the rostrum, the students of Washington and Lee, at noon on Armistice Day paid two minutes’ silent tribute to the memory of the American soldiers who gave their lives in the World War. In accordance with the proclamation of President Harding setting aside the day for special memorial exercises, regular classes were suspended, and a special University assembly was held for this purpose.

Veterans of the world war, now in college, lined up in front of the main building at quarter of twelve, and marched to the Chapel in column of twos, where they separated to allow the faculty to pass through. A special block of seats in front of the main section was reserved for the service men. Dean Campbell opened the exercises by reading the proclamation of the President to the assembled students, while the bell on Washington College tolled off the minutes between eleven forty-five and noon. At the stroke of twelve, the audience rose for two minutes of silent prayer.

Dr. James R. Howerton, professor of Philosophy, made the address of the occasion. In well-chosen words, he proclaimed the magnitude of the moral sacrifice which America made in giving up so many of her finest sons and stated that this sacrifice could only be considered as worthwhile if the great conflict was really “a war against wars.” He appealed to the college men of the country to use their influence for the furtherance of universal peace based on principles of righteousness.

Following Dr. Howerton’s address, the Student Body joined in singing “America,” and the strains of this inspiring national hymn served as a fitting close to the memorial exercises.

The University authorities were particularly strict in enforcing attendance upon the Armistice Day University assembly, and no leaves of absence were granted to the many students who desired to take advantage of the suspension of classes on Friday to take a weekend trip from Lexington.