Smyrna times., 1918-05-08

In Saturdays Wilmington Evening
journal the names of two Smyrna boys
figure in an editorial. George Carter
Editor of the Evening Journal, whose
we'll merited success has not been
alone in journalism but in the writing
OF poetry. Recently he wrote a war
hymn which he named a ''Mother's
War Hymn" and so we'll has it taken
1t is being sung in nearly all the
churches in the state as well as at
patriotic meetings. Mr.. Carter's
talent for verse recently touched the
heart of another Smyrna boy, Sergeant
Earl W. Grant at the Aviation Camn
on the James River in Virginia at a
place named Camp Morrison: Ser
geant Grant wrote this letter to Editor
Carter of the Evening Journal:
"My dear Sir-I just received from
my mother a clipping, Mothers
War Hymn, written ty you, and
want to write you and tell YOU it
reached the heart of a soldier. It
beautifully expresses my mothers
thoughts and prayers. AS soon as
finish this letter am going down to
our Y. M. c. A headquarters and give
the clipping to the secretary in charge
there. 1t snail be posted in the
Writing room, where six thousand of
my comrades in this camp will have
an opportunity to read it. We, as
soldiers. cannot think of our mothers
too often.
am connected with the 651st Aero
Squadron, Aviation section. en-
listed at Wilmington, December IL,
1917, and may mention that am the
only representative of our little
Diamond State in our squadron.
We had our flag raising of this camp
last Friday, and "Old Glory" is more
beautiful at regular army hag-rais-
ing than anywhere else except on the
battlefield or the front. That is where
we intend always to keep it. I was
glad to feel that l was from Della
ware as the "Star Spangled Banner"
lifted this big flag to the breeze. l
had the pleasure of assisting in the
erection Of the big staff of the camp.
We have a beautiful camp here,
constructed in the center of Virginia
pine forest, near the James river.
Our barracks are as comfortable as
club rooms. We are anxious to see
service abroad and are equipped and
awaiting orders to embark.
Again | wish to express my appre-
citation to you for the cherished
thoughts this hymn has caused to
linger with me. Wishing you and
The Journal continued prosperity,
l am, Respectfully yours, Sgt Earl
W. Grant, Aviation Acre Squadron,
Aviation Branch, Va"
To the above Editor Carter shows
his appreciation as follows: "Young
Grant halls from Smyrna. He is an
expert automobile mechanician and
operator. How we'll his skill is ap-
preciated by his superiors is shown by
the fact that since December last he
has been advanced to the rank of SER
geant. The filial, patriotic and ap-
preciative note which runs through
his letter seems to US to warrant the
suggestion that, sooner or later, he
will advance to even higher rank, an
event which would give pleasure to
his many friends down the State.
The time has come when brutalized
Germany will realize what it is to be
up against hundreds of thousands, and
even millions of bright young American
soldiers and sailors who love their
country, their flag, and their home
folk and stand ready to give up their
lives, if need be, in their defense. -
Thus is seen the fine calibre OF
patriotism that abides with these two
former Smyrna boys and it is with {
feeling of pride that we congratulate
them both.