The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-02-25
KEEPING HOME FIRES BURNING

Keeping the Home Fires Burning" That is the work which the Y M. C. A. is undertaking to do, both at home in the train ing camps scattered far and wide over the nation, and close up behind the trench-scar- red earth along the battlefront of France. It is big work for them to accomplish and we who stay at home needs must furnish the funds by which success can be achieved
 The organization is filling a great void it is binding the absent member closer to his home and providing him with means of rest, recreation and shelter when they are most needed Millions have been spent to do this, and many millions more are to be spent, and funds are continually needed
 Since the war came to America, the Y M. C. A. war council has been working day and night planning for the comfort and as sistance of our soldiers. It was planned to expend $3,OOO,O0O for American Y M. C. A. activities from the beginning of the war last spring until January 1, 1918. Before the end of 1917 more than $5,OOO,OOO was actual ly invested in the United States alone and almost as much more in France and England During this year, it is estimated that at least S35, 100000 and probably as much as $5O,- 100000 will be required.
 This enormous sum of money is required to enlarge the capacity of the organizations buildings to meet the demands made upon them by the ever-increasing size of American armies both at home and abroad In every section of the globe where any number of Americans are, the American Y. M C. A. is there bridging the gap which separates them from home.
 Close up behind the actual fighting line are situated little mud huts into which the mud covered soldiers, released from the fire, step for breathing spell, can make his way and find rest and be given a bit of refresh ment and entertained by music or read almost any kind of literature to relieve the strain un- der which he is held. A short time in this haven of rest, in the very midst of the hell of war itself, and he is able to go back to the trenches refreshed in body and mind ready to do his share of whatever may arise If he stays long enough he may be present at some simple religious service, but he need not take part, or even attend, if he does not want to. The opportunity is there for him. but it is not forced upon him.
 The great spirited men who serve as secretaries have, during the last two years been seen more and more frequently passing along the trenches under heavy fire, passing packages of cigarettes, cakes of chocolate, a sandwich or a bun to the men who have no time to secure these things for themselves It is estimated that during a certain three weeks fighting in the Lens district last year, nine per cent of all the Y M C. A. secre- taries were either killed outright or wounded Their activities among the troops on the fight ing line, however, were not slackened in the least by these casualties
 The first sight to meet the eyes of the troops of the first American expeditionary force which landed was three-story build ing facing the landing flying a huge Ameri- can flag from its flagstaff and underneath it the streaming banner of the Y. M. C. A. They found ready for them club house with la cafe, dormitories, billiard room, tennis court, furnished, equipped and dedicated to the service of the army men,
 Thousands of Americans are daily kept free from temptation by the preesnce of these