Johnson, Clark Ruly, Keith E. McGee. "They, were given a rousing farewell at Esseg Hall by the warm-hearted people of Morrill county. While space in this work would not permit the full presentation of remarks made upon such occasion, the farewell admonition prepared for this occasion by Rev. George F. McDougall will serve to preserve the nature of tribute that Morrill county felt upon, each and every occasion when her sons were leaving for the front :

"Men of the new army, our heroes in khaki. These men are leaving in the gloom of a beautiful morning of sunshine, going in the glory of a nation which is giving her best in battle for democracy, leaving in the hush of sorrow that overflows the hearts of those who still renin in at home, leaving in the spirit of determination which predicts ill for those who forced them to depart from all that is sweet and dear in life.

"Men of the new army, you are leaving amid

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

the tears and the cheers of comrades and you are going out from our midst with the tears of loved ones fresh on their cheeks, departing for whatever battle front the war department may send you, and in the belief that you will give the best you have in strength and manhood for the cause which means life to democracy.

"Today is the most momentous in the history of the world. Most thrilling for Morrill county. This is the first time we have ever sent a whole army to a foreign soil to fight for the same principle which gave this our nation life, going to fight shoulder to shoulder with the mother of our own civilization.