Northwestern State University - Potpourri Yearbook (Natchitoches, LA)

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v . „ f ■ jtfMkX - Li «. Rogers The Normal Boys ' Response to the Call to the Colors When the call to the colors resounded through our country, that so awakened that never-dying patriotism embedded in the heart and nerve and sinew of the sons of America, a direct strain of the heroic music stirred the hearts of those who were drinking at wisdom ' s fountain — Normal. The fact that civilization was at stake and service was needed, was the inspiration that caused every interest of self to be discarded. The question was never asked, Are you going into the service? The common question was, In what branch of the service are you going to enlist? Not only was there a unanimous response by those sons of Normal then in attend- ance, but all those who in past years learned the lessons of justice and righteousness at the feet of our Alma Mater were endowed with this same patriotic spirit. 1 he spirit of ' 1 7 is unsurpassed by any other in history. For a typical picture of this spirit just cast your eyes on Normal in the spring of 1917, then in the fall of 1918. In the spring of 1917 there were more than a hundred boys in attendance — a fine hardy group, living in peace and dreaming of the future when they should be directing the foot- steps of the youth of the state. When the long contest of right against might closed in the fall of 1918 there was not a boy of military age in school. All who were able to bear arms had gone to do and to die for the eternal right. While our service flag is fortunate in bearing only a few gold stars it is because destiny assigned only these to the honor. Now that the long and bloody contest is over, and peace re:gns supreme, may there be one sentiment for the soldiers living and dead, Cheers for the living and tears for the Marvin T. Green. (II)

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The First Gold Star HE first Louisiana man to die in service was a noble representative of the same Alma Mater we all cherish and love. Louis M. Griffin was with the very first volunteers for service, leaving Normal Hill for that purpose a few days after America entered the war. It was always his desire to do his part for mankind, and when the call came for men, he quickly and gladly responded to go and make the supreme sacrifice. It was while on duty at Jackson Barracks that this strong, upright soldier went to reap the reward of one who had done his duty. And on that quiet spring day, as our flag at half mast solemnly floated about, we paid our tribute to one who gave his all for his school, his country and his God. He did his part as nobly and as fully as those who saw service overseas and died in the midst of the cannon ' s roar. He was the first of our boys who entered the service to leave us, and now, two years afterwards, our tears fall as they did when he heard the sad news, but with Louis, we know, All is well. Died In the Service (Incomplete) Adams, Milton Second Lieutenant BabIN, S. P Navy Brown, Ellis Tank Corps Carter, Hardy Machine Gun Co. Gibbs, John Griffin, Louis M Died in New Orleans MlLTON, Allen Second Lieutenant, Died in France Peters, Gordon Infantry Richardson, J. J Marine Service Trichel, Albert Died in Camp (10)

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Red Cross 1 OON after America entered the World War the growing interest in Red Cross work of the girls at the Normal School found an avenue of expression in the Normal Auxiliary to the Natchitoches Red Cro;s Chapter. A class room on the second floor of the Academic Buildirg was fitted up with tables, cabinets, and all the needed conveniences fcr the making of surgical dressings. The girls went to work with a patriotism worthy of the highest in American womanhood and the great cause in which our country had engaged. They were formed into squads under students and faculty captains, and made thousands of compresses, sur- gical wipes, abdominal bandages, and some pneumonia jackets. These squads under the leadership of Miss Roberta Newell, worked at vacant periods, before dinner, on Saturdays and Sundays. The quality of the work always received the highest rating from the regular inspectors from the chapter headquarters, and tSe chapter itself was on the honor roll of the Gulf Division. Refugee garments were made by the dozens in the Domestic Art rooms and the campus and the auditorium always exhibited indefatigable knitters of socks, sweaters, hel- mets, and mufflers. When a call came for hospital towels the g rls purchased a hundred, laundered and bundled them ready for shipment Overseas. In short, the young women of the Normal in this supreme test of character, proved themselves to b? among the worthiest. To Our Boys Upon the far off fields of France Where sleep our soldiers brave, A cross its lonely vigil keeps. Above the narrow j;ravc. Upon the far off fields of France The fields that we may never see. Lie buried all our hearts held clear Who died for you and me. (12)