The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1918-03-05
Local Boy Writes From
France OF Sentiments
Aroused By War
FRUIT CAKE PRESENT
DELIGHTS SOLDIERS
Letters From Friends Prove
Big Factor In Keeping
Spirits Up He Says

The following letter mas Deen re-
ceived from Harold McDevitt, mem-
Der of the class of 1912 of the local
high school, who is now in France
Forces, by his parents, who live south
of Mt Vernon:
Somewhere in France. Jan. 81, rs
My Dear Parents:
Hurrah for home Hurrah for the
good old U. S. and for the people who
really care-tbe people at home. What
do | care for anything so long as |
have my dear father, mother and
brother. Why, even this war almost
sinks into insignifcance when think
of the best home on earth. Oh! the
satisfaction which your letters bring,
and say Dad you are doing fine. You
don't resent being called Dad" do
you? Somehow that name most near
ly expresses my affection tonight. To-
day your letters of Dec. "a came. They
we're better than million dollar
check. We crave letters from home.
We don't want any fluffy duff stuff
at this time. But know our parents
care. The people have been good to
me. have received letters from peo.
pie whom hardly thought would give
me second thought, or who even
knew me. Their letters of good cheer
do untold good. These are uncertain
times but come what may, we are
ready for 1t. Believe me, my dear
parents, | never felt so near ready for
anything, and know it is largely due
to your prayers and the early impress.
sions ! received in my developing
years Thank God for that home and
for the parents who sacrificed to make
II possible. That home training and
the training | received at O. w. u.
gave me a foundation which | know
even the rayages of war can not
shake. Yes, you gave some of your
best years to make my college educa-
tion possible. You have done every.
thing for mo. | wonder il 1t ever oc-
Cured to you that possibly it was a
waste of good time, energy and much
money TO spend ON boy to have him
carried away to war, No, | am sure
you do not feel that way about 1t. But
| wanted you to know | had thought
Of these things try to realize how
much you have sacrificed for me.
want to say this for myself. If /
knew | were to give up my life tomor-
row. would not regret the years |
spent in school. | am better man |
for It, had had dreams of the times |
when | might cease to be II drain up |
on you and in measure help you
back in material way. The war came |
along and gave us all jolt and we
must all face the facts. II is war
and anything may happen. You are |
brave parents, know, and have
heard from more than one source |
how bravely YOU are standing the
'''"'' VI NHif ~ Si'u' WIN you bt- /
cause 1t has come so close to you.
Let us continue to be brave and face
whatever comes
And now. Hurah again. You don't
know how glad II made me. The
Christmas box came. My! how | wish
people back home could look in upon
hn nt NJ "a
box from home. We have had lots of
fun specializing who would hear first.
Wen, did not hear first, as two other
fellows got boxes before did, but this
is where had it on them. Fruitcake is
what they We're waiting for with wat
ering mouths was the first man
to land one. And 1t came in fine
shape even the Christmas seals. Say,
how the boys did rave over that cake.
Mamma, am delighted with you az a
cook. Oh! we had real Christmas
even II II was little late. Just 10
sit down and eat something that was
prepared at home-oh! il was wonder
Gul!
Also got the box Glenn sent, 1t did
my heart good, John Cunningham
has put In some popcorn. We popped
II in one of our mess" pans 1t was
like visit at home. Tell Mrs.
Chambers got her letter. I was sur.
prised and glad Also got Bessie's
letter. They all did mo so much good
and am going to try and answer