Veterans Day: John L. Barkley Radio Interview

John L. Barkley in WWI Uniform

On November 11, 1918 the Allied Nations and Germany agreed to an armistice that brought a cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. World War I was finally at an end. After four years of fighting and millions of casualties the world celebrated the peace, and "Armistice Day" was born.

Thirty years later, after Armistice Day was officially declared a legal holiday, veteran John L. Barkley gave a radio interview on station K.C.K.N regarding the importance of celebrating the historic day.

Page 1 Radio Interview

“November 11th, 1918, will always be remembered as the most important date in the lives of millions of Americans. The guns on the western front were silenced- the greatest War in all history-"" the War to end all Wars"" had fought itself out and we saw the dawning of a new era; the promise of an epoch that was to be one of peace among all the nations of the world. While we are observing this 20th anniversary, the memories of all of us who served in the World War will turn back to that November morning when the soldiers of the A. E. F. left the trenches and the hardships and perils of active warfare to cheer the news of victory and War's end. Today for the first time since the close of the World War, Armistice Day will be celebrated as a national holiday. Twenty years ago- time has dulled the sorrow as it has calmed the joyous delirium of that first Armistice Day. The World War is only history to many Americans now grown men and women. But it is inspiring history, telling a dramatic story of how this national sprang up as one man when its ideals and rights were assailed; of how no service was too great to give, no sacrifice too severe to be made for this country of ours. May it be hoped that we never forget this story; that the young Americans of today will learn and understand the meaning of Armistice Day. May it be hoped too, that these young Americans never will have to pay war's price for America's freedom and security. It has been paid for them in bitter installments beginning with the men and women of 1176 and ending in 1918. It is their heritage and should be theirs to enjoy in peace. It will be theirs if they are strong for its defense and strong in their devotion to its principles.”

Page 2 Radio Interview

“[page 2] The signing of the Armistice meant to American a victory for the principles of democracy. Yet, today we see those principles assailed. We see forces at work seeking the overthrow of our government and attempting to substitute forms of rule under which we would belong to the government. There are too many in our land who have never caught the true spirit of Americanism, too many who are agitators of class hatred and destruction. We must never again permit American to be looked upon as a national of peace at any price Pacifists. With the world armed as never before, with wars raging, with aggression the accepted policy of nations, the United States must have a national defense capable of meeting any enemy or any emergency. Though we hope that our country can be kept from involvement in the strife and war that today besets some of the nations of the earth, and like an uncontrolled fire promises to spread to others. Guarded against aggression by strong defenses and against strong subversions by firm Americanism, we can achieve lasting triumps for democracy and humanity here in America. Remembering the Armistice of twenty years ago, we can go forward in its spirit to make enduring peace and everlasting freedom. We honor and revere our soldier dead- they were our friends and our comrades. We honor their memory by the consecration of this day to the furtherance of pace among men and nations. John [Barkley]”

John L. Barkley was inducted into the army on September 20, 1917. He served overseas from April 1918 to August 1919. Barkley earned a Congressional Medal of Honor for his courageous actions in battle near Cunel, France, on October 7, 1918 in Company K, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division.

The Barkley, John L. collection consists of letters, photographs, postcards, and certificates related to his service in World War I.

In celebration of Veterans Day, project staff at Missouri Over There would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all our veterans, past and present, who have taken oaths to this country and worn a uniform. America would not be what it is today without the sacrifices made by our country’s brave veterans.








Sources:

Barkley, John Lewis, Papers, 1917-1964, (96.19, 96.33, 2010.102) at the National World War I Museum.