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It is doubtful if any State Deputies, previous to
that time and subsequent to it, have ever borne such a burden of work and
sacrificing of time as State Deputy Amiss. Seldom, too, have subordinate
Councils witnessed so much incessant activity or experienced so many
demands made upon them. The Supreme Council undertook a tremendous war
work program, and in this it had the patriotic and fraternal support of
the state officers, Councils and Knights in Louisiana. The record of that
period is one of the glories of the order in the state, as it is for the
order in the entire country. The Knights had long maintained loyal
devotion to God and country ‑ the war period provided the
opportunity to manifest this principle in action.
That the state officers and subordinate Councils were
prepared to render any service required was evident from the very outset.
At the Monroe 1917 convention, this resolution was unanimously adopted:
"Whereas, the Congress of the United States of
America has declared a state of war to exist between our beloved country
and the Imperial German Government, therefore, be it resolved that
renewing our allegiance to our country, and the principles to which it
dedicates its existence, we do now unreservedly pledge our undivided
support to all measures calculated to advance the cause for which the flag
goes into battle, and that we stand ready to respond to whatsoever call
authority and patriotic devotion may make upon us."
That the war was already reaching into the ranks of
the Knights in the state a month after the war started, was vividly
brought home by the disclosure that the toastmaster of the banquet at the
close of the Monroe convention, Robert M. Breard, Jr., was leaving the
next day to begin his Army training. Within a matter of weeks, Knights
from all parts of the state were moving into camps and training centers.
This ushered in a period of feverish activities, particularly in Councils
in larger cities and those near war camps, notably New Orleans,
Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and Lafayette. Before
the end of 1917, every subordinate Council that had a clubhouse had opened
its doors to service men, and had arranged for social and athletic
activities for visiting members of the armed forces. This was true not
only of the cities mentioned, but also New Iberia, Plaquemine, Houma,
Opelousas, Morgan City, Natchitoches, Covington and others. Wives of
members and Daughters of Isabella joined with the Knights in arranging
social functions and suppers or other social activities for the men in
khaki. From the very outset, a policy of "everything free at K.
C." was adopted in every Council for whatever activity was offered.
However, far more serious work under the order's
principle of staunch patriotism was undertaken. The year 1916 and the
opening months of 1917 were hectic times, days of confusion from the flood
of propaganda surging all over this country from the European nations at
war. The Supreme Council decided that a primary consideration at this
critical time for Americans was America - our own country, and our own
national safety. Thereupon, a nationwide observance of Washington's
Birthday was arranged for Councils across the nation. This was carried out
magnificently, with the emphasis, not on any of the belligerent nations,
but on the welfare and needs and protection of the United States, and
allegiance to it. While principal celebrations were conducted in great
metropolitan centers, including New Orleans, every subordinate Council
participated in the program, as did every one in Louisiana. The press
heralded this work of the order as a "fine service to the
nation." |
