FOREWARD

FOREWARD

Since its organization December 10, 1918, the cardinal work of the Fayette County, Kentucky Chapter of American War Mothers has been collecting material for a Year Book. This work is now complete. Three hundred and seventy-five mothers have been enrolled together with the military records of their children; in this we can take a just pride for if left merely to tradition the greatest efforts of patriotism and valor are soon forgotten.

It has been a cared privilege for mothers who gave their heart's best love at their country's call to place these dear and honored names upon the enduring tablets of recorded history. Four hundred and seventy-five are here inscribed; of these thirty-eight gave their lives that we might live in peace at our homes.

The citizenship of Kentucky is more purely American than the citizenship of any other state, so Kentucky tops the list of all other states in the Union in having the smallest number of delinquents in the draft. Less than 3,000 out of a total of 58,000 inducted into military service through the draft, in addition to these 20,000 volunteered.

Fayette county did her part in making this record; 3,000 went forth to battle for world-wide liberty, three entire companies: 113th Signal Battalion, Company C of the old Kentucky National Guard, Company I of the 1st Kentucky, and one hospital unit organized by Dr. Barrow and affectionately called the Barrow Unit enlisted here, all of these being volunteers.

Among them about 100 women, two of whom was cited for bravery under fire.

Every rank from Major General to private served with distinction, and almost every citation given by the American Army as well as a number of foreign decorations were awarded Fayette county men and women.

Equal honor and gratitude is due those held by military orders at home for duties not in accord with their own desires and those going over seas; alike they gave themselves for their country and more died in hospitals and training camps than on the field of glory.

This is a part of what Fayette County did in the Great War. It is a noble roll call and we do well to cherish and preserve for future generations all that connects us with this shining period in our history-for

"The past must win its glory by being far, And orb into a perfect Star, we saw not when we moved therein."

Lucretia C. Simpson

October 1,1920

Previous | Home | Next