Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1918-04-30
SIXTH CONTINGENT OF
MARATHON CO., SELECTS
Left Here on Friday-Big Patriotic
Demonstration and Farewell i'm
Their Honor

This week we are, called upon to
write up an account of the departure
of the sixth contingent of Marathon
county selected men, who entrained
on Friday morning for Camp Grant,
Rockford, Ill. At this time one hun
dred and eleven of our young men
responded, including fifty-four in the
First District, and fifty-seven in the
Second District.
The day was as beautiful as any
we have had for the departure of our
boys, and was also Liberty day, which
added to the spirit of the occasion.
Our city lighting standards had been
beautifully decorated with new flags,
and every where the Red, White and
Blue was very much in evidence.
AS usual, relatives and friends of
the selects, gathered at the court house
park at an early hour, and waited for
the parade. In the meantime the boys
were in the circuit court room, where
roll call was taken by County Clerk
l.. H. Cook, after which Mrs. D. J.
Williams in behalf of the women of
Wausau and Marathon county, deliv-
cred an eloquent address and God
speed. She said in part:
I'm the name of all womanhood, |
want to express a great appreciation
for your sacrifice and service. No
knight ever went to service for his
lady fair with greater loyalty and
devotion than you go to defend all that
woman holds dear. Our life, happi-
nes. freedom and safety are in your
keeping and we trust you implicitly.
at is said that men must work
and women must weep but today it
is given to women to work too for the
Great Cause, and we want you to feel
that while you hold the line over
there, we will hold the line here. Our
line may bend, but it will never break
and we want you to feel that you have
that backing.
And then, wherever temptations as
sail, when lonesomeness, Inconsistencies
and encouragement come, as they may,
remember that always surrounding
you, upholding you are the invisible
forces of the love, the prayers, the
devotion and the gratitude of the
strong, brave womanhood of America.
God speed you on your way
Judge A. H. Reid also gave a brief
address to the. boys, and was as fol-
lows:
81 want you boys to know that we
feel here in Marathon county today
as if a son or brother were going to
serve his country from our own home.
The county is only large family and
because all the county can't be here
today to say goodbye l am here to
say that the hearts of the men and
women go out with you; your achieve
ments will be their success; your hon
or their honor; they have placed their
confidence with you and they know
it has not been misplaced.
you are asked to assist in proving
that a government of the people, by
the people, and for the people can
maintain itselves against autocracy.
This is the time when victory must
be won. There must be nothing but
going forward and never a thought
of turning back. And remember that
we at home will be with you in spirit |
and heart wherever you are"
This was followed by the presenta-
tion of a beautiful flag to the conting-
ent from c. A. Christianson, a Spanish
American war veteran of this city, |
and accepted by Francis Kronenwet-
ter, who was placed in charge of the
men in the First District. The fol-
lowing was inscribed on it: "Wausau
Grant, April 26, 1918"
The parade was formed on Jefferson
street in the following way: Band,
Tenth Separate Company in full uni
form, members of Exemption Boards,
representatives of the Marathon Coun-
ty Council of Defense, Representatives
of the Loyalty Legion chapter, Selects
District No. l, Selects District No. 2,
Columbus Cadets, Junior Volunteer
Company, School Children carrying
flags, and citizens. The march was
from the corner of Fourth and Jeffer-
son streets, down Third street, turn
ing on Scott street, and going directly
to the special train awaiting them
on the c. NJ. & st. Paul tracks.
The departure at the depot is al
ways sad, and the parting scene on
this occasion was similar to those of
previous times. The very large crowd
of citizens at the depot were all
anxious to say goodbyes, and it was
difficult for many to keep the tears
back until after the train had pulled
away from them, while others could
not hold back, and there was many
a tear-stained face noticeable, and as
the train slowly moved away there
we're many hands waving in the air
and watching until the train was out
of sight.
The boys arrived at Rockford in
the evening, and undoubtedly the
following day run into many boys
from here, who have been there for
some time, and had nice little visits
with them.
NOTES