Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 143, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1918 — FINE BODY OF LIBERTY GUARDS [ARTICLE]

FINE BODY OF LIBERTY GUARDS

YOUNG MEN OF WHEATFIELD HAVE THE SPIRIT THAT MAKES SOLDIERS. A number of Rensselaer people went to Wheatfield to assist in the training of ,the Liberty Guards of that patriotic town Monday evening. A number of others went to witness this work, among them being the following: Gertie Leopold, Eva Moore and Mrs. John Moore. To see this fine group of young manhood anxious to receive this military training, imbuedwith the spirit of real patriotism is a sight that makes our estimate of the American youth mount higher and higher. The training that this group of virile men are receiving is physically worth many time ithe efforts pat forth. From the standpoint of preparation for actual service it is of untold value. That there is an able bodied man under forty-five years of age who is not taking advantage of this training is a shame. The guards at Wheatfield are men who have real tasks to perform each day. They are doing their part on the farms and other important work in that part of the county. It would be mighty easy for them to say that they are too tired to drill after a strenuous days’ work. But not so with these men, they are up on their toes and enter into this drilling With the freshness of morning. , If Rensselaer and vicinity would get as large a portion of men in the guard as Wheatfield has, there would be at least five hundred men drilling instead of the limited number now memlbers of the guard here. It is mighty good news to send “over there,” that the hoys ‘‘over here” are in training for the conflict and are willing and ready to enter it at the first call. • Every man between the ages of eighteen and fortyfive should belong to and train with the Liberty Guards. The reasons are apparent. It is a splendid physical training. It inspired the guard’s patriotism and help to diffuse the spirit of patriotism in the communities. It assures those upon whom rests the burden of tile management of the war that a large body of men .are ready to enter the conflict and in order that their work may become effective at the earliest possible moment they are rigorously preparing themselves for war service. It is saying to the boys “over there” •that we are ready to step by your side and help in that great drive which will end in triumph at the capital of Germany, Berlin. F Join the Liberty Guards, attend the drills regularly, enter into its spirit and make your soul and your body strong for war duty should your country call.