| Not too often can it be
repeated that more real, robust, mentally fit men came out of the
service than went into it. But the
march moved on with a more even pace as the time for the struggle drew
nearer. Training was building the splendid form of the challengers.
They only can know why the Old Flag has never touched the ground, for
the American defender learns the lesson of brotherly love as he sees
his uniform as the common pledge of his brothers' ... with but one
purpose ... that of offering his all that Liberty shall not perish.
With this unity of mind they set their hearts on a single task ... the
task of becoming worthy of their uniform.
Only a short period and the din of
battle would deafen them. But, Onward! Onward! What unknown force was
encouraging them? From whence came their eagerness to meet the enemy?
Was it merely a lust for adventure; was it bravery or valour? Was it
even for a chance to gain personal fame? No! Thank God, No! The
American defender pressed on to the struggle only because he had lived
among a people of whom he had learned to build within himself a
profound desire to use his body and his all against those who would
trample into dust the sacred freedom and righteousness symbolized by
Old Glory. There can be no nobler effort ... no greater
manifestation of altruism.
Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! To the east ...
where the great ocean hangs its veil of mystic space. True, each day
would find the defenders in new surroundings and at a different work.
Yet, their thoughts were strangely drawn to their homes, as though the
home was a mighty magnet. They did not realize that it was their own
power that was forcing their thoughts homeward. It was a power that is
aroused and awakened when one is astounded ... astounded by the
realization of the wealth of love and regard that mothers and fathers
can show. Mothers and fathers whose ruling it was that no effort should
be spared to provide all possible comfort and cheer to the Defenders of
Liberty. On every hand was the warmth of a veritable army of workers
under the direction of various social and welfare organizations
constantly and faithfully attending the uniformed men with the cheer
and tender aids made possible through the will and sacrifices of
mothers and fathers.
It was the dear ones back home who
tempered the metal of the men of their hearts. Could a man fail of
courage ... could he complain, when the love of millions of burdened
hearts beamed out through the uniforms of the war-camp folks? It fairly
pained the defenders to think of the sacrifices of motherly eyes, and
tired, aching fingers that toiled through the long night hours to give
warmth and ease to their boys ... their boys ... just anywhere, where
boys might be.
The great imperishable truth that
love is the supreme power of man wove itself into the fabric of the
challengers. It formed a shield that would protect the Defenders of
Right and give them the victory over the oppressors. The courage of a
just cause was theirs. The every aid that a great government could
conceive was tendered them. There was shelter, good food, good clothing
and care that savors of a thoughtful and faultless commandership.
It seemed that over night our
nation had miraculously produced necessaries for her fighting men that
were ample and unsurpassed. Billions of dollars were pouring into the
government coffers to provide well for her men with the best
procurable.
The fathers of America were
bending under the strain of sacrifice. Liberty loans were realized in a
manner commendable beyond description. Loyalty, patriotism and
martyrdom flowed on to give strength to the men beneath The Flag.
It was at a time of the
Third Liberty Loan that men from the Matchless City realized more fully
that ever before why thoughts of home spurred them on to an ambition to
fight and fight hard for the homeland. Sioux City was the first city in
the nation to subscribe her quota in the Third Liberty Loan! When this
news reached the ears of her men in service there was but one thought
... one prayer amid tears of love ... "May God bless the courage of the
Kings and Queens of the Matchless City!"
Then, with a fond
farewell to the homeland, the defenders put out to sea ...
|
A lad from the Rockies;
A lad from the east,
A lad from Dixie, too,
A lad from the North woods,
Among them ours --- let us
Call him "Prince of the Sioux." |
|
