The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-10-24
Waterbury Backs Plan

(Continued from Page D against it's widespread destruction.
 Military training is also beneficial to boys of that age. It will, however, retard the education of young men who plan to enter college"
 Ralph LiberatOre, 16.year-Old
 Leavenw0rth high school student;
 home, 107 Ridge street:
 "r think we need a strong mill- tary force to maintain peace, be- cause there are so many belligerefts in the world. It will benefit the boys, too, particularly because of the vocational and professional training offered in the service. It's hard for the boys my age to make up their mind what vocation to take up, and training will offer them guidance. There's no doubt 1t also improves their health and the dlsci- pline makes them real men,"
 Mrs. M. G. Weinberg, S2 Wild wood avenue, mother of an over- seas veteran:
 T approve of military training because 1t wiN eliminate the possi- bility of war and give. the boys Q wonderful training at the same time.
 Would Interrupt Careers
 However in instances where the boys intend to enter college, I feel 1t would interrupt their education and their career. My son graduated from Yale and was about to enter pre-medical. school when call- ed to the colors i've years ago. The boys may change their minds about entering college after spending a year in the service, and this would make for Q shortage of doctors, law yers, and other professional men in the future"
 Maj J. Peter COstigan, past com- mander, American Legion, com- bat veteran, World War I:
 I'm heartily in favor of 1t, judg- ing from our experience in two world war. Since 1927, we of the National Guard, the Reserve Officers' Asso- ciation, and the Veterans Associa- ton have pleaded for adequate na- tional defense.
 "The public reaction to our plea was that 1t would cost too much money, It was certainly a short- sighted policy when the cost in lives and money of World War II is taken into consideration.
 Would Save Lives Because America holds the bal- ance of power In world politics in | her hands, this country would be the first attacked by the war-mon- | gers. It Is not my opinion that 6 | strong military force would elimin- ate all future wars, but a trained | Army and Navy will save us many | lives and quicken victory"
 George Farley, bakery salesman, Main street, Watertown:
 "1 think it's for America's good, particularly since the big powers are maintaining their military forces. I am thinking particular ly about Russia and Finland, and there's no question every nation will strive to obtain the secret of the atomic bomb. Military train- ing also makes Q boy better man. Boys of that age are much better off in the Army and Navy than they are hanging around the street. However, I do think the government should guarantee them . job when they get out"
 It. Col. William St. John, hon. 0rabiy discharged from the Army, 37 months in the Pacific, China. Burma theater:
 Compulsory military training ls vitally essential to our security. I've been in 25 countries during the past five years, and observed every nation looks upon us with envy because of our power and resources.
 Make Better Nation
 Military training will also tend to build character in your young men, and help them along educa- tionaI and vocational lines. In summary I'd say it's very wise move, and well worth the price, because 1t will aid toward keeping world peace, and make us q bet. ter nation by the proper develop ment of our youth"
 Stanley Taraskewich, l7-year- old employe of the Apothecaries' Hall Co., home, g Fuller street.: T approve of compulsory train. ing only if the government will guarantee Us Q job when we get out. For instance, I've been work ing Q year, and hope to get a good drivers job when I turn IS. If I have to enter service, I'll lose that. Then what will I do when I get out?
 FavOrs Volunteers
 It seems to me the government can draw on volunteers to make up strong Army and Navy. Lots of boys are crazy to 90. But don't Inisunderstand me. Tn case of war, I'd be the first to go. tried to enlist last year"
 Corp. Michael Opasenk, recently returned from 10 mOnths' service with AAF in England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria, home 10 Emerald street:
 SY0H'1e darn Tieht approve 0G compulsory training. We've got to have Q strong Army and Navy 50 we won't get double-crossed again. Au the other poWegg are maintain.