The call for registration came soon after the declaration that a state of war existed, or in April, 1917.

The Registration

The registration of June 5, 1917, was red letter day in the history of America, when an army of ten million fighting men became available for service. In Scotts Bluff county the people who participated in and assisted in the work of conscription as registrars performed their work with unabating zest. Like each of the several departments of war work there was no flagging of spirit.

General Bundy's famous remark in answer to the suggestion of General Foch at Chateau Thierry was the idea dominant in the people of Scotts Bluff county whether in the work at home or the boys that went forth to do their duty. It will be forever remembered by the world regardless of the petty politicians that hesitate to do him honor that General Bundy said : "Americans have been forced to retire. They will not understand it; we are going to counter attack." They did and it was the beginning of the end, for from that day the Boche were on the run until the Armistice was signed. After a seventy-two day Marathon they were ready to sign anything.

Scotts Bluff county did not wait for the draft. Many of her boys went forth as volunteers and are credited to other counties, particularly Box Butte where Captain Miller organized a company and a number came from the several towns in this county.

The First Eight