Bury John T. [sic] McArdle with Military Honor

Wilmette witnessed an impressive sight on last Sunday afternoon, as the funeral procession of John T. [sic] McArdle marched slowly from the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. McArdle, 111 Broadway, to St. Francis Xavier's church on Ninth and Linden avenue, where the simple rites of the Roman Catholic church were performed at 2:40 o'clock. John's star was tthe first on the church's Service flag which changed to gold.
Borne on the shoulders of six stalwart jackies, teh casket, draped in the American flag, was carried gently and slowly to the church accompanied by a guard of honor and many mourners. It was Wilmette's first military funeral to occur in the Village since America entered the war--and it was a memorable one.

Lesson of Duty and Sacrifice
The funeral sermon was preached by Monseigneur Clement F. Kelly, who never before delivered a more eloquent, simple, inspiring, thoroughly Cathlic and American address than he did upon this occasion. The lesson which he drew from John McArdle's going was the lesson of duty and sacrifice taught him from the cradle, at his mother's knee, and throughout his young life by his church. The spirit of truth, of the better things in life, of patriotism and loyalty to our country were emphasized throughout in a marked degree, made double impressive because of Monseigneur Kelly's own service under the Flag in our army during our war with Spain. Realizing what the life of a soldier and sailor is from personal experience, and feeling with him his ideals, patriotic impulses and inspirations, he drew a beautiful picture odf what the departed man had done for his country, for his family-- and for all of us. It was surely a great funeral oration, preached by a great man whom Wilmette, both protestant and catholic should be proud to call its own. And still more beautiful was the modesty and humilty with which he laid the inspiration of it all at the bier which held all that was left of John McArdle, giving to himi the credit which is so often overlooked when "taps" has sounded.

Training at Ensigns' School
John McArdle was but twenty-one years old. He volunteered. At the time of his death, which occured through an accident, he was attending the Ensigns' schocol at the Municipal pier. Together with some of his fellow jackies he was doing carpenter work, putting up a ceiling in the Recreation room. In endeavoring to get up still higher on the scaffold, he either slipped or lost his balance and fell. In trying to right himself his heel caught on a part of the scaffolding in such a manner as to throw him on his head, inflicting a skull injury which resusulted in death. The accident occurred at 10 o'clock. He died about 1:30 o'clock in the afternroon. He never regained consciousness although on three occasions between the time of the accident and his death Catholic priests were sent for to administer Extreme Unction and the Holy sacraments so that he might die with the consolation of his religion which he deeply loved. He was buried with military honors, of which he was justly worthy. It is tru John McArdle did not die in battle, but he died in th euniform of his country. He gave his life--as he ws willing to give it for our country because it was his country and he loved it. Wilmette has another gold star on its service flag. It cannot add greater [illeglble] the honor of our Village than it does to the memory of the kind, noble, big-hearted "Jackie" whose life was the price we paid for it. We are sorry to have him go as he did. But we are proud of him and will not forget him. We will cherish his service so long as the graves of heroes may be watched and cared for in this world. "Requiescat in Pace [sic]"