TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MELBOURNE TIMES JULY 11, 1918 P. 2
Am now sending my first letter back to my many friends in Izard and all who are in touch with the Times.
I have never became attached to any section of country other than old Izard. You already have a clear and vivid picture of camp life, so I’ll not attempt further explanation of it.
A boy certainly knows how to appreciate his friends when they have a high regard for him while he is in the army. I must say that my short stay for four days at home recently was crowned with brightest scenes of affection. Such was shown by everyone I met, and all seem to be in good spirits considering conditions.
We are now in a struggle the like of which we’ve never faced before, and it seems hard to leave home and loved ones to face the unknown dangers of the world, but we must bear in mind that we are fighting for the freedom of our country, and we want a peaceful nation for the loved ones left behind to live in. It may cost many of our lives but why should we worry? As Christ died to make men holy, let us die to make men free. A soldier boy can stand up with face forward like a man when he knows that friends and all back at home are standing by his every movement for his help and encouragement. The greatest things of such help is the Y.M.C.A., the Red Cross, the War Savings and the Liberty Bonds. When these things are carried out we realize that an iron hand is protecting our efforts. I feel truly proud that old Izard has been so liberal in these auxiliaries of church work. By all such sympathy and help we boys on returning home can feel that all true patriots helped us win the world peace which is so earnestly being desired by all. So keep the home fires burning and if it be God’s holy will, we’ll come back to you when it’s over, over there.
Your sincere friend,
Pvt. E. A. Roddy.
Camp Sevier. S. C.
NOTES: Earl Aus Roddy was born in Izard County on March 7, 1896 and died on October 21, 1930. His is buried in the Page Cemetery near Newburg, Arkansas in Izard County. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Private serving in the 323rd Infantry, 81st Division. He departed for France from New York on July 31, 1918 onboard the Empress of Asia. He was listed as a Private in Co. D, 323rd Infantry.
TRANSCRIBED BY LARAE SHURLEY
Am now sending my first letter back to my many friends in Izard and all who are in touch with the Times.
I have never became attached to any section of country other than old Izard. You already have a clear and vivid picture of camp life, so I’ll not attempt further explanation of it.
A boy certainly knows how to appreciate his friends when they have a high regard for him while he is in the army. I must say that my short stay for four days at home recently was crowned with brightest scenes of affection. Such was shown by everyone I met, and all seem to be in good spirits considering conditions.
We are now in a struggle the like of which we’ve never faced before, and it seems hard to leave home and loved ones to face the unknown dangers of the world, but we must bear in mind that we are fighting for the freedom of our country, and we want a peaceful nation for the loved ones left behind to live in. It may cost many of our lives but why should we worry? As Christ died to make men holy, let us die to make men free. A soldier boy can stand up with face forward like a man when he knows that friends and all back at home are standing by his every movement for his help and encouragement. The greatest things of such help is the Y.M.C.A., the Red Cross, the War Savings and the Liberty Bonds. When these things are carried out we realize that an iron hand is protecting our efforts. I feel truly proud that old Izard has been so liberal in these auxiliaries of church work. By all such sympathy and help we boys on returning home can feel that all true patriots helped us win the world peace which is so earnestly being desired by all. So keep the home fires burning and if it be God’s holy will, we’ll come back to you when it’s over, over there.
Your sincere friend,
Pvt. E. A. Roddy.
Camp Sevier. S. C.
NOTES: Earl Aus Roddy was born in Izard County on March 7, 1896 and died on October 21, 1930. His is buried in the Page Cemetery near Newburg, Arkansas in Izard County. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Private serving in the 323rd Infantry, 81st Division. He departed for France from New York on July 31, 1918 onboard the Empress of Asia. He was listed as a Private in Co. D, 323rd Infantry.
TRANSCRIBED BY LARAE SHURLEY