The Seattle Star Newspaper, April 25, 1918, Page 8

STAR—THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1918. PAGE 8 CAMP KEARNEY, Calif., Feb. 20, 1918. To My Dear Father: *’ Several months ago ina letter to my dear mother, I expressed my intentions of addressing a letter to ~ you on the eve of my departure. The time has arrived —this is a final message for you to read when I am dead. There will be so little else, just the brief offi- cial notification from our Secretary of War—with re- grets—maybe a belated letter or two speaking only of the small happenings of the day, perhaps the tale of my Commanding Officer as to how I fell; beyond that nothing. And therefore, now, and beforehand, I say farewell. There is no need of many words, but I want first to thank youas yourson. You have been to me the best father a fellow could wish. I want to thank you for the gift of a clean and strong and vigorous and healthy body, straight limbs and brawn that could serve America at her need. For the gift of strong intellect and a discerning mind—thank you. For the long years of self-denial that made my education possible; for the guidance and teaching that kept me straight in the days of youth; for the counsel and help ever freely prof. fered when asked—for all the noble things in your example—again and most earnestly I thank you. Inas- much as we be men together, there is little need for words. It is in a good cause that I lay down my life. All things that I hold dear in life, I willingly give up, . since it is required of me. I am proud and glad to be one of those whom America takes, and though in your heart there will be sorrow, you will also be proud. All good things be unto you—may the coming years bring Peace and Contentment and quiet rest. Your son, a soldier of America, salutes you—farewell. (Signed) BILL. “Bit” ¢: “i = amar J ~™ i c NOTE—This son of America gave his life for his country, for you and me, and his heroic swan song comes as an inspiration. His father is a citizen of Oakland, Cal. Tomorrow hundreds more of Seattle’s selected sons march forth on the great adventure. a Tomorrow, too, is Liberty Day, when President Wilson asks the nation to reach five 4 billions in the Third Liberty Loan. Tomorrow will be a great day in America’s history. WASHINGTON LIBERTY LOAN COMMITTEE , JOSEPH A. SWALWELL, R. R. POX, A. L. HAWLEY, State Chairman. Chairman Seattle Auxiliary District. King County Chairman, This Page a Donation to the Cause of Liberty and Patriotism by The Hofius Steel & Equipment Company