Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 14, Number 22, DeMotte, Jasper County, 14 April 1944 — Substitute Prayers For Gold Stars [ARTICLE]

Substitute Prayers For Gold Stars

By VINCENT GIESE

A serviceman was speaking from his heart the other day of his outlook on life now that he is in a uniform. Ironically, yet characteristically American, he was worried about the self. Ever on his mind were his family and neighbors and his sweetheart. He worried about them because he knew they were worrying about him. “They are in a helpless position,” said he, “for they can do nothing tangible to keep me from injury or perhaps death. All they can do is worry, hope, and pray. Whereas I, always on the go, have little time to

give thought to my dangers. That’s why I want more than anything to come home uninjured and well —for their sakes. It would be so hard on them if I wouldn’t.’’ Those were the words of an American serviceman. Perhaps he was your son, or your husband, or your sweetheart. Or perhaps he was the kid who used to run to the corner grocery for you only yesterday. Whoever he was, he was thinkin of you. He —and there are millions like him —is the one who is worring about and fighting for the folks back home. Thoughts

just as often as possible? Is like these are soul-stirring and heart-warming. But, goosepimples and lumps in the throat aren’t enough; they aren’t action. Indeed, we are in a relatively helpless condition but not entirely. We still are able to write letters, j Still we can say a prayer for his welfare. Though he is far from our eyes, acts like these will bring him close to our hearts. Have YOU a list of seryicemen to whom you are writing? If not, why not? Can one yalid excuse or alibi be offered why we here at home should not be writing to our home town poys

that not the least we can do? Let’s write and tell them about DeMotte. Tell them about the home they are dreaming of to come back to soon. They will be better soldiers for it. We will feel better because of it. About that little prayer for their welfare. Just a few words will do. Make it while you are walking down town, or scrubbing the floor, or cranking the car. Remember them before you lie down to sleep, or when you arise in the morning. The day is long. A prayer is short. Let’s substitute prayers for gold stars.