Sept. 7, 1918: Covada mother writes about losing her son in World War I

Several times in the past few weeks I have attempted to write out a few items of news, but each time my hand trembled and my thoughts dwelt on one subject alone — my boy. This morning I am making another attempt. I know that this is no time to falter in any duty. Right now the American mothers need to push on more alert than ever before. The graves of our boys are lovingly cared for by the dear old women of France. As our own sons drop out we must care for the sons of other mothers, bearing each others burdens as best we can. 

On Sunday, Sept. 2, a memorial service was held in the Covada hall for my son Sergeant Roy C. Stretch. The exercises were conducted by members of the Patriotic club. Roy's favorite songs were sung, comforting letters and messages were read; Mr. Parmeter spoke honestly and well; Mrs. Howe read a beautiful selection. True friends sent words of sympathy from far and near. Roy's friends were scattered from Canada to Cuba, and from Honolulu to France. The sorrow that endureth to the end of a mother's life is strangely mingled with pride when a son gives his life in a battle such as the battle near Soissons on July 18.

The National Tribune stated that never were the Germans so near success as on July 17th, but on July 18th they were driven back five times and the tide was turned. The American marines were among the first in that attack on that great day my son, a sergeant in the marines, received his fatal wound. As I look at the star of gold in our service flag I'm proud — and surely my pride is a holy, righteous pride — that my son gave his all in the greatest cause in all history and in one of the greatest struggles for that cause.

(More than 275,000 casualties — including more than 11,000 American soldiers — were suffered by both sides in the five-day Battle of Soissons that marked the turning point of World War I as the Germans would be on the defensive for the remainder of the conflict.)