The Nenana daily news., 1918-07-01

away from this town our first con- tingent of fighting men. In spite of the early hour of the boats de-
 parture, all of the townspeople were on the waterfront to bid the boys farwell, their ranks being consid- erably augmented by many Fair banksans who made the journey in launches for the special purpose of speeding the parting.
 Long before the hour scheduled for the arrival of the boat, quite a few Nenanaites gathered in groups along the waterfront, with their gaze directed up river and when, shortly after six o'clock, the steamer hove in sight and blew her whistle for docking, the entire population gathered at the waterfront to wit ness the decentralization of the con- tingent on board
 The contingent came ashore short ly after the boat was safely docked and was escorted in procession to the Nenana club rooms, where they, partook of the excellent spread pro- vided by the Red Cross ladies of Nenana. The parade was headed by two of the soldiers attached to the Signal Corps, mounted and carrying large American flags, then came the armed escort of eight men of Co. B. fully encountered and in fighting trim, under the command of Ser geant Fuelling, followed immediately after by the drafted men of Ne mana, Fairbanks and Brooks; a bevy iof Nenana's beautiful daughters in the uniform of Red Cross nurses and carrying large American flag, bringing up the rear of the process sion, followed by the cheering crowd
 The procession went up A street followed by the crowd and on ar rival at the entrance to the club rooms, the armed escort opened file~ and the drafted boys passed up the stairs leading to the club between the two rows of armed men.
 At the club rooms, which were tastefully decorated for the occasion, two long tables were arranged. with all the good things in season tempt lngly arrayed, and provided ample room for all of the boys. A bevy of pretty girls, who had carried the flags in the procession, assisted by some others. served the dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all
 MT. Geo. w. Pennington acted as master of ceremonies and announced the items on the program arranged ] by the Red Cross ladies, which was as follows: i Song -.--------.-----------Ke Kenneth Diven Reading -------.--------.. Mrs. c. H. Hall Songs 'Joan of Are" and "Hurry
 Back" Mrs. c. H. Wilson Songs, Memories" and Hula
 Waltz" Miss Valentine Anderson | Original Poem ...-.......... Dick Morris Talk -----.-----------------.Rev. R. J Diven
 Mrs. J. R. Bowen, chairman of the local Red Cross branch, then made the following speech to the boys, which was very heartily ap- plauded: !
 Friends and Fellow Citizens:
 We have met here today, and this work of love and hospitality is Tn honor of the brave men who have responded to the call of our beloved country, and who are now hastening to a school of preparation, to a course of intensive training, which will fit them to encounter on equal terms, not only the common enemy of our great free government, but the ruthless destroyers of whole na- tions, and the arch enemy of human ity and civilization.
 We women of the Panama Valley very keenly appreciate, indeed, the great sacrifice you are each one ready and willing to lay upon the altar of our nation in defense of the ideals of liberty we have been taught to love and revere, and we wish you to remember that where ever you may be, whatever may be your trials and sufferings, if the