The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-19
VOLUNTEERS HEED
 CALL TO DEFENSE
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NCOn6lnueo rom rage l1 boards and representatives of the American Legion and other veter- ans organizations began gathering. Photographer herded the boys on to the inside steps of the city hall, and there was scurrying about while they were counted to see if all were there. First, three or four were missing, then only one. He couldn't be found, SO the photographers went ahead. The volunteers laughed and joked as flashlight bulbs popped.
 Commander Hackett's Praise.
 Major Peter Fox, chairman of Draft Board 15-A, stepped forward, and said: T would like to present Commander Joseph Hackett of Cor poral Coyle post"
 "Our hearts all go out to you; you are real Americans" said Com mander Hackett. waterbury will say with us, Those boys are the boys of our heart"
 "You should be given the greatest credit for volunteering" he went on. You did not shirk your duty. Re- member, at camp through the months to come, we at home are with you heart and soul" Mayor Scully's Greeting.
 Mayor Scully greeted the volun- teers as "boys from home"
 About 9 years ago." he said, substantially the same scene was presented here in Waterbury, and these Legionnaires and members of other veterans organizations played the parts that you are playing to- day. You are going forth on mission that will keep you away for year; through all that time, we shall be with you in spirit"
 "As mayor of the city and as a fellow-citizen, I personally congrat- ulate each and every one of you. You took the first opportunity to train yourselves to be able better to defend our country"
 When the mayor had shaken hands with the group, the photog- raphers found that the youth miss ing when earlier pictures were talk en had now appeared and they lined
  Bus Ready To Go.
 "That bus is scheduled to go now" said someone, and there was stir toward the door. But first, Mrs. Edith Ladd, executive secretary of the Waterbury chapter, American Red Cross, gave each of the volun. teers 8 carton of cigarettes.
 Major Fox and other draft board members lined up the youths by groups, according to boards, and they left the city hall for the char tered bus standing outside.
 There was a moment or two for farewells, and the volunteers looked ! through the ranks of spectators for their families and friends. There were handshekes, kisses and a few tears.
 Parents Had Last Word.
 One father unashamedly held his son close an kissed him.
 Be a good boy, son." he said.
 q will, pa," the lad replied. A mother stepped toward the bus as her son opened the window and called:
 write as often as you can, won't youP"
 "Okay, mom," he said, "I'll write"
 Police were clearing traffic now SO that the bus could pull out from the curb, but one of the volunteers jumped out and grasped Mayor Scully's hand.
 T just wanted to say goodbye again, mayor" he grinned, and jumped bacl: into the bus.
 A horn footed, hands and hand kerchiefs were waved and the bus was on it's way, and leaving the city was Waterbury's first selective serv- ice contingent.
 The crowd stood waving, but in minute the bus was out of sight.
 Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, sweethearts and friends went quietly to their homes and their jobs, rolling up their coat col lars against the chilling wind.