The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-09-20
GODSPEED, BOYS!

The second detachment of Lee county's con-
Itingent to the national army will leave tomor-
row morning for training at Camp Dodge pre-
liminary to fighting in France. They are fine
young fellows chosen from the total number OF
our conscripts as physically fit and free and
lcager to go. 1t is special honor and privilege
that has been accorded to them for while 1T Is
well within the possibilities that the economic
pressure on the central empires, or revolutions
overturning their autocracies may render it I'M
necessary to send the mass of our army across
the sea, this advance guard is very likely, what
lever happens, to see camp life it not trench
life in the lands where civilization is fighting
for the future of mankind 1t is no small honor
to be selected as Americas exhibit to show
Europe what high class soldiery a great re-
public can call to it's defense; and most Of
these Lee county boys-al1 Of them possibly
will come back broadened by experience of
which they will be proud through all their lives.
Their county wishes them Godspeed and tri-
umphant return when the battle for human
freedom has been won.
And now there's something to say to those
who are left behind mothers, fathers sisters
and sweethearts. They all have heartaciies, no
doubt. But when the boy gees away to war
don t make the parting an outward agony.
Don't conjure up in your mind and his an ac-
emulation Of the horrors of war and pile them
all upon his back. The best advice in this re-
gard that The Gate City has read in many
day is from the Marshalltown Times Republi-
can, which says:
You owe it to him to keep your poise and bid
him goodby with hope instead of despair in your
heart and face and tongue
Tell him to be brave. Tell him that you trust
that a brave man dies only once and that a coward
suffers death worse than death every
of his life. Show him that he has a right
courage by inheritance
He will back Most Of the boys will
back. Let's bend energies to live bravey and
well to greet them when they do back.
Let's keep ourselves fit fit to carry part
at home, fit to seek out and bring home under
our watchful care and love our own wounded if
such event shall come to
Smile in his face as he goes. Tell him yon
shall never have him and his welfare of
mind until he comes home again. Tell him you
will be waiting there where stand to him
go. Tell him you proud of him. Tell him that
bred him and cared for him and taught
him and that you trust him to carry himself
your son in camp and trench Tell him that this
country is worth fighting for and that you will
stand in line with the great reserve OF fathers
and mothers behind the of America Meet
your battles of parting as he will meet his battles
against physical foes and moral temptations
Give him the knowledge that he came of clean,
brave stock
Send boys away with the certainty
are behind them, a phalanx of brave and
willing hands unbreakable Match his bravery
and courage. Help him keep his calm the
of those who crowd to cheer him
way. He deserves all and more than that from
you and from all of
Know pride in your sons. Step proudly.
Keep brave front. Be patriot he is a
soldier. Do your duty as he does his. 1t is the
or,pinr ,plh aYfnr