Augustana College - Rockety I Yearbook (Rock Island, IL)

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Jr'.i Pay? Twemy-eigbt

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F 3? Eh? 13am Giuarh i: :1 NE 1x'an Guard of American Democracy, the Suns of freedom, Augustmiags g V1: patriot hand of warrior heroes, live hundred strung! At, a dark moment ; i in our histt when the air was hurtling with the rumors of war, and H i mews heart: 'ere burning with indignation en aceeunt of unprecedented atrocities nhroad and the ruthless murder of our citizens on the high seas, L Augustamk sens heard their eountryh call and with annming promptness and unanimity responded to the call, not counting their lives dear. Those were trying days, the memory of which we never can forget A deep seriousness per- vaded our halls and assemblies, anxiety was written in every face, and a subdued tone of earnestness was heard in every voice. We bowed our heads together in prayer, a few tender words of farewell were spoken, and ttthe boy? set their faces toward the East, By and by, after many anxious hours of suspense, we heard ut them at the front. across the waters. At the crisis point of destiny, the;r had reached the Marne to do their part in turning the tide against the surging forces of barbarism. And when the command came to go ttorer the topt they were there with heart and hand for any task. At Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiei and Soissons they covered themselves with glory and won the gratitude nl' admiring nations for their heroic achievementst They came, thegr saw, they conquered. And never did they turn their hacks to the enemy. Inspired by a noble idealism, with courage unflinching, and with nerves of steel they gave themselves to the grand objective of turning the hosts of the enemies of freedom into flight, and of making the blessings of democracy the common possession of all mankind. Yes, tell it to the generations that are to come, to childrmfs children, what our brave Kihnyst: did on the bloody fields of France. Augustana is proud of their reeorr'i. They have built fm- themseh'es alul for her :11 monument more lasting than brass and more sublime than the regal elevation of the pyramids? When we saw them coming forward to enlist our hearts were heavy, not know- ing what might befall them; but we had faith in them, assured that they would acquit themselves with honor, and would never allow the flag to trail in the dust. The days were n11, and we scanned with bated breath, the published lists of casualties, and in tones of solemn interest repeated, one. to another, the names of our absent loved ones; fervent prayers from anxious hearts hetere the mercy seat ascended in their helmiij', and words of mutual encouragement were freeiy ex- changed, We dared net hope that all would escape injury; we knew they were brave men. But Providence has been wonderfully kind to ust Our Service Flag hes butifnur gold stars. For this We give devout thanks. Praised he the Lord. the conflict is over, the victory is won, and, one by onet we am permitted to wel- come mu boyst, home again. Welcome! Welcomei Heme! Heroes of the Van Guard, Runs ul' Augustmla, with honor bright and fame unstained, we welcome you home! DR. E. F. BAerIomMEun Page Thirty