It was Wednesday morning, July 31, 1918. A large crowd was in Glenwood to bid goodbye to these 14 young men who were leaving for Camp Forest, Georgia, to join the military. The men in the front row, from left, are John Peter Hilt, Hershal Wannamaker Sawyers, unknown, unknown, Francis Joseph Sharkey (wearing a tag on his shirt), unknown and Fred Minner.

In the back row are William Harry Stout, Everett Tweedy Sawyers, Vera Otis Moore, Dr. Russell H. Giltner, Dwight Fenton Lincoln, James Ernest Barker and William Joseph Hansen. Though we are unable to match them with the faces, the names of the three unknown men in the front row are Elverd Truman Harden, George E. McDermott and Russell Ervin Bowen.

Front row, L to R: John Peter Hilt, Hershal Wannamaker Sawyers, unknown, unknown, Francis Joseph Sharkey (wearing a tag on his shirt), unknown and Fred Minner.
Back row: L to R: William Harry Stout, Everett Tweedy Sawyers, Vera Otis Moore, Dr. Russell H. Giltner, Dwight Fenton Lincoln, James Ernest Barker and William Joseph Hansen.

Though we are unable to match them with the faces, the names of the three unknown men in the front row are Elverd Truman Harden, George E. McDermott and Russell Ervin Bowen. According to an old Glenwood Opinion article, the usual program for such events was followed. The boys were given comfort kits shortly before 10 a.m., and were then arranged on the courthouse steps where this picture was taken. The Institution Band played, Old Glory was waving, and when Sheriff Edwards gave the command, the boys began marching to the depot.

One week later, on August 7, 1923 more young men were called to serve their country. But the frequency of having to say goodbye to these men was not enough to make yesteryear's citizens comfortable with war. The following is from the same issue of the Glenwood Opinion. "The people are awakening to the real meaning of war. For half a century we have dealt in placid security with nothing to worry us but taxes and prospective failure of crops. How trivial are such matters compared to this present disturbance of home life!

We thought this picture would be fitting in light of present high taxes and double-digit inflation, and because today is between this year's Memorial Day and traditional Memorial Day." The photograph was supplied by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sawyers of Emerson. Ernest Baker of rural Pacific Junction, pictured in the back row helped with identification.