Oregon's Homegrown Heroes: Oregon Boys in the War (WW I)

From the 1918 text, "Oregon Boys In The War: Letters from Oregon Boys in France", compiled by Mrs. Frank Wilmot, Glass & Prudhomme Co., Publishers.

Entry by Governor James Withycombe:

TO THE MOTHERS OF OREGON:

OREGON has ample reason to be proud of its superlative record in all patriotic matters arising out of the world war and the women of Oregon, particularly mothers who have sons in the service, have special ground for pride and credit.

Naturally the men are called to bear for the most part the physical burdens of the titanic struggle, but there is no truer devotion, there are no deeper sacrifices than those required of the war mothers who are trying to keep the home fires burning during the hours of heart darkness. The boys win the victories on the fields of battle and are entitled to all the praise that can be given them but in the home sphere, where a hushed spirit of anxiety constantly pervades the atmosphere, the mothers are the real heroines.

I say, all hail to the war mothers of Oregon, whose service to their country is reflected in the spirit which emanates from the letters set home to them by the "Liberty Boys" who are now on the firing line in France.

James Withycombe