From the News

That very is, in our materialistic age, such an emotion as patriotism governing the actions of men, is often doubted, and when patriotism is mentioned as a motive scoffers laugh. That patriotism is a reality, even in a time when the almighty dollar seems to be all that counts, is demonstrated in the conduct of those who, not of necessity but urged by an inward feeling, are daily risking their lives at the battle front. A brilliant example is given this district in the brief life of Lieutenant Albert Shanks, who set aside his prospects in achieving distinction in civil life to answer the call of his country. With an intellect ripened by prolonged study, he went to China to hold out the torch of knowledge to the aspiring young men of that mysterious land. He was doing a good work, he was earning much money, advancement beckoned him on, it was being thrust upon him, but Canada was the land of his birth; her call was to her sons to serve her in the day of peril. He heard it, resigned his position, and traveled ten thousand miles to enter her ranks. He chose the air service as the one in which his practical and theoretical knowledge of mechanics and mathematics would be of most use; and he became one of the most daring and accomplished of those who ride the air. The Hun had suffered at his hand, and he was beginning to show what he could do and what he would do, when the enemy caught him unawares and beset him in overpowering numbers. It was not a fair fight, it was nine against one, but Shanks did not turn and flee. There was the enemy of his country and it was his duty to fight him; he would do all that man could do. It was an unequal contest and could have only one ending. His airplane was shot down, and in its descent a hero died, leaving to the young men of Canada an example of bravery and devotion to duty. While our country arises such a breed of men nothing can dim its glorious future. Cowards may hide in the woods, traitors pour the contempt they affect on Britain and her flag, but Canada's strength lies in the spirit that animated Albert Shanks. The district is the poorer in the removal of one of its brightest sons, his home is desolate, but generations will come and go before the instance he gave of wholehearted loyalty to his country will cease to be recorded.