The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-19
LETTERS TO EDITOR
For Our Heroes

For Our Heroes
 ] To the Editor of The Herald;
 I have just read an article in you,
 July 16 editions from the Pittsburo Dispatch, entitled Our Neglected
 Hero This article stated, it is
 cruelty fact that the hero of the
 military field, the nations idol of
 today. is forgotten tomorrow by
 those he saved as well as by those
 who applauded his bravery.A John
 Munsen, s1, bo1tman; July 9A Bel lerue hospital, tuberoulosls,A was
 written upon a card attached to a man lying upon slab in New York s
 morgue. Almost by accident, quite incidentally, it became known that this friendless one about to be burie in potters field, was the heroic man who saved the Lost Battalion of the Three Hundred and Seventh di- vision, in the hottest of the advance into the Argonne forest
 That the words upon the card ot 8 body no one claimed were strange epitaph for a soldier decorated with Frances Metallic Militaire, the Croix du Guerre with Palms, and the American Distinguished Service Cross will not be disputed.r
 When T read the above r. felt a shiver of horror creep over me to think a man who had accomplished so many grand things in order to save Am sxtca should be so neglected. You say that happened in New York, had nothing to do with that, did not know of this fellow. That may be true, too, but there are just such heroes right here in our own city on whom 1 have had the pleasure of calling in South Highlands, St. Vim cents, Norwood and; l understand, a man with the T. B., is in another hospital Have you been to see any of these fellows who protected you, have you done anything for their comfort or are you sitting idly by and letting them pass on to their graves as unknown, as far as you are concerned? If you are, there is comg ing day when you will regret it, so in order to avoid the regret, some day take a trip to one or all of these places, ask for the ex-service men. take them fruit. flowers, magazines, candy, cigarettes, etc, and see how they appreciate your calling and, best of all, so how much better you will feel. Some of these men are compelled to stay here in the hos. pitals but they are able to go out for ride, If you have an automo- bile, take them for ride. Some of them claim not to have stomach trouble and therefore can eat any thing they can get. How about call ing the hospital and asking them to send you some ex-serviee man to eat a meal with you? It does not have to be an expensive meal. Anything will suit them, they will appreciate them are a long way from home and they are human, they enjoy an eve-I ming spent with the family, Mrs Henry Swepe and myself are going to give lawn party on the lawns of the different infirmaries in a short time and we will be glad to have any one who would like to comel out and join us, watch the papers and we will let you know when to come. If you can, bring along . donation We are going to try and get 'Victrela for each of the hos pitals in order that these fellows may enjoy themselves. If you cannot come and wish to give a donation you may send same to Mrs. Bessie l.. Phillips, 1616 Allen street, and she will acknowledge receipt and keep you advised as to how we come out Also if you would like to give a lawn party for these fellows don't hesitate but do it as quickly as you can.
 Do not let it be said of the people 1 of Birmingham that we neglected even one of these. but did our part each and every one. Respectfully, |
 BESSIE L. PHILLIPS.
 Birmingham, July Is, 1921.