The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-03-13
Yeatnaan Writes of
Life in Big Texas Camp

to have to wait. The other day an order
came for five men for overseas service
with another division. Lieutenant Null
key said he wanted to give us all fair
chance, SO all that wanted to go were
told to sign paper on the bulletin
board. Every man in the company
signed. Since only privates could go,
several sergeants and corporals asked
to be reduced so they could have a
chance at it. The five names were
drawn and those who could not go were
surely blue and disappointed l never
expected my name to be drawn, as it
never has been pulled at any contest 1t
was not even drawn in the first draft.
am unfortunate in having such a
name, the last on the roll and always
the last to get paid. My name was on
list of 20 turned in for promotion.
Only 10 could receive 1t, so the first 10
were promoted, as my name was the
twentieth, l had some large chance. The
next time I join the army I am going
to change my name to A. a. Aaron |.
we had holiday on the 22d and to
celebrate we had a parade downtown
before our commanding general. the
major and lots of English and French
officers. 1t was a very enjoyable event,
as we walked only II miles that morning
and one mile was at double time. We
had a good time nevertheless, and 1
L
have rested up.
There has been inaugurated here
lately very impressive form of respect
for the fallen heroes who have preceded
us to France. Every day at 20 seconds
before II the fire whistle blows for 70
seconds. During that interval every
thing in the camp stops, all wheels cease
to turn and all noises cease. Every man,
no matter what he is doing, stops and
stands attention fill he btctl
When you think of 10000 men doing II
at the same time you cannot help beina
impressed by the solemnity of It, and
it makes a man think about what he is
getting into. Who knows but some day
your memory will be honored in the same
way? This is a serious thing that we
are getting into and our chances for
safe return are not SO very, very high.
Lots OF the fellows are figuring on
what they will do when they come back.
Well, l don't worry about that at all,
for l don't go over with the idea CT
coming back; neither do I go with the
idea of staying there as a part of the
soil. Sounds rather queer, but let me ex-
plain. l am going with the idea of do
ing my bit; if l come back. well and
good; If they plant me there. we'll and
good l believe that all things are
worked out according to plan of the
Supreme Being, and everything will turn
out for the best. / am there to do my
duty If the fulfillment of my duty
calls for the greatest thing man can
give-his life--I am glad to give 1t, for
by giving my life it may mean the safe
return of some other person who may tie
of more benefit to the world. (Some in
side dope. carry $4,000 insurance and
/ believe / am worth more dead than
alive, anyway As | said before, I dor't
worry about the future, for it will take
care of itself and there is plenty to keep
me busy for the present.
Must close now and go to bed, as 1t
Is very late and must go on ambulance
detail tomorrow. I always catch duty
on Sunday. l have had only one Sunday
Off in the last two months"