The mission of this book is not to glorify warfare or
its victories. Rather, it is designed to enrich brotherhood among men,
and to remind us that our privilege to live in peace and liberty
continues only through the toil and sacrifices of men who loved us and
our country.
Although these pages herald the activities of Sioux City in the World
War, they will record no acts of merit and patriotism of living
persons. The giving of a life is the only mark of distinction that is
signally honored. All else is written to record for posterity the
unparalleled manner in which Sioux City endeavored to serve during the
war.
An allegory is presented that pictures Sioux City as she is; dearly
loved by her elders and cherished by her youth. War clouds appear. She
inspects her fitness and proceeds to fulfill her obligations. Her men
are called to The Colors. The long night begins. Then are we reminded
of the Teachings of American traditions and their place in the
structure of America's youth. We read the thoughts of men who
have looked into their hearts and found the riches of gratitude
creating within them anew a regard for fathers and mothers that builds
for gallantry and the reflection of allegiance to their country.
Here men revealed to themselves their measure of worthiness to receive
the fruits of their elders' endeavors to provide every comfort possible
to aid in the building of the morale of men and women under The Colors.
The "Prince of the Sioux" alluded to is the spirit of all of Sioux
City's men in service, characterized to pay respect to the city of his
heart; to recognize the efforts of those who could not enter the
service, and above all, to register the effect of American traditions
upon those in whom the protection of their country was vested.
The moral of the allegory is expressed in the closing, wherein the
sacrifice of the Gold Stars establishes a finger-post to the realm of
true Americanism in which all who live should center their efforts and
shape their destinies. |