Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/38

 36 THE FORT SHERIDAN ASSOCIATION

One of the replies will testify to how much even such a little token w^as appreciated :

"Words so feebly express my feelings tow^ards the men of the Asso- ciation that it is almost useless to try to put them on paper. The silver napkin rings w^hich you sent to my babies w^ere of themselves beautiful, but the sentiment which prompted the gift is to me of priceless value — to be treasured in my heart to life's end and left as a wonderful heritage for my children. 'p * * J would like to personally thank every man of the Association, to clasp his hand and say, 'God bless and prosper you.' I do bless each one from the depth of my heart and some day, when my babies are able to understand, they will too. Will you, personally, please accept my thanks and prayers for all good things for you and whenever possible pass them on to the men of the Association."

We want to close this story of the Fort Sheridan Association with the statement that all that is written here seems insignificant and paltry as com- pared w^ith the living and deathless accomplishment of the thousands of men who, silently and unheralded, gave their best to their country. Men who even now are held by their wounds in distant hospitals — men who are handicapped in their future struggle for existence — wives and little children, mothers and fathers who paid the immeasurable price.

We cannot do it justice, but there came to our office from a home w^here two sons (Lieuts. Bernard and Leon D. Van't Hof) never returned, these words with which we close, believing that the truly great record was written in such lives as these:

We had t-wo sons;

No braver lads than they.

Those of their friends who knew them best can testify.

In manliness their equal hard to find.

In tenderness and love none might compare.

Their kiss at greeting like unto the kiss of a sweet girl,

Their parting kiss a benediction rare.

Love and devotion marked their every step,

And love grew on apace beneath our roof.

Through darkening days of trouble and despair.

Their true vv^orth shone with a devotion rare.

And wheresoever censure reared her head

Their faithfulness remained without compare.

Came country's call.

Arise! ye men. Arise!

Give me your manhood's strength.

Go forth to battle for the cause

The cause of mankind's weal

Democracy triumphant.

They heard,

They faltered not.

They went.

They spake in solemn tone and low.

The call has come and we must go.

Our country calls, and we,

Shall w^e be slow to answer?

No.

Does not God choose his instruments to carry out His plans

And place within their hearts desire to serve?

We go.

We shall return if God so wills.

But if it be His v/ill that we should fall

We pray for grace that we may give Him all.

And so they w^ent.

Our hearts beat high as word came of their deeds.

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