The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-08-12

millions of other young men who have gone and are going out to en- gage in this world contest in death but because you are of my own flesh and blood.
 Because, man though you are, you will ever be that little boy of mine.
 The uniform that will shortly be issued to you stands for the high and noble principles upon which this nation was founded that has since principles that, to much of the rest of world, are un- known. It stand for freedom among men and nations; the right to live and the will to let live. It stands for humanity, civilization, Chris tianity.
 It has never gone to war except in defense of the principles for which it stands. It has never gone on rampage of conquest or op- pression. That uniform, Bill, is the hope of Old Glory and 13O million Americans. It is the hope of civliza- tion. Wear it proudly.
 I remember well that day, almost twenty-four years ago, when, while sitting in a lecture period at Camp Gordon, I was handed a telegram that announced that you had made me father. was the soldier, then. You were the war baby.
 remember the day, four months later, when I gazed for the first time upon your face. remember every day of your life since that time. shall watch-and pray-every an- xious day for your safe return. When you have a son of your own some day, as l hope you shall, you will know what mean. hope your going to the army will be more successful in freeing your sons from the scourge of war than was mine for you.
 There are two things that want to give you, Bill, as you go to join other fathers sons in this business of killing, from which God alone knows whether you will return.
 Both went with me into the army twenty-five years ago.
 One is a khaki-covered textbook on military methods and soldiery. Peruse it's pages and endeavor to master the art of being a good sol dier. It may not bring you promo tions and high honors for there are in the army, after all, more mere men than anything else. But it will bring to you the satisfaction of doing well whatever you do. It will help you to learn more quickly what is expected of a good soldier.
 The other, also khaki-covered, is Bible. Don't feel that to take 1t is being sissy. There will no doubt be times when just to hold 1t in your hand will bring a mysterious com fort. I confess that I read it but little while I was in uniform. Yet there were times when it's nearneSS the knowledge that it had stood the test of all time and countless other Wars-seemed to sort Of satlS- fy my longing for you and Mom- lull my homesickness for all the peaceful ways of life that had been disrupted by war.
 Take them, Bill, and use them. Make the most of the army ana come back a better man than when you left. There is, you know, a per- sonal as well as national victory to be won.
 V It seems bit silly, doesn't 1t, to send you away with a gun in one hand and Bible in the other? The gun to kill. The Bible: Thou Shalt Not" There is no explanation except that the gun appears for the present to be necessary to our na- tional security. The Bible has ever been our hope of eternal security.
 Learn to use the gun. Bill, but rely, finally, upon the Bible.
 And may the Good Lord-al- though I confess it is a big assign ment-watch over and keep you and those who go with you as the guardians of American freedom, un- til the day-and may He speed the day-when we shall thank God for peace and a safe homecoming.
 So long, Bill.