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August 24, 1944

Hq. Society of the First Division, A. E. F.

To The Members Of The Society of the First Division.

Comrades:

It is with regret that I have to inform you, that due to many circumstances over which this office has no control, that it will be unable to publish our annual production of "The Bridgehead Sentinel," lack of time in receiving data from the Publicity Committee is the greatest factor for the failure. The data required by the office was not received until too late, to get the work done by any printer in this locality. I have made many trips to have this matter completed with no results. I am substituting a partial publication, and hope that this will serve its purpose. "The Bridgehead Sentinel" will follow later.

Respectfully,

Stephen Flaherty
Capt., USA. Retired, Sect.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

I know that all will rejoice in the prospect of our reunion in Chicago, on Sept. 17, 1944, which will be the first since the present war began. The difficulties of transportation caused us to omit our meetings but it is felt that an opportunity should be given for as many as possible to come together again in fraternal comradeship. As we grow older, our numbers diminish and we must not fail to make every sacrifice to renew our associations and to enjoy the bond of fellowship which must always unite us.

Our deeds may seem dimmed by the brilliant achievements of our successors in the present First Division but we view with pride and admiration the manner in which a young generation has borne aloft with increased brightness the torch of courage, sacrifice, patriotism and devotion unto death that we placed in their hands. By their own valor and skill they have illuminated a new day and in their turn, they will again bring victory to our arms and peace to the world. We welcome them to the sacred circle of the veterans of the immortal First Division and incorporate them in our band of brothers to keep alive the spirit of the Division for future generations, as we tried to transmit it to them. It is fitting that in the near future when our days are done, they should assemble in their turn to guarantee the future by enobling the past. A new duty devolves upon us to assist in recording their dead in perpetual memory, in assuring care of their permanently disabled and in giving the survivors the place of honor which they have so richly earned in the hearts of their countrymen.

Let me urge every comrade to make his plans now and meet with his old buddies in September. We may not have another opportunity while the war lasts. Let me urge all veterans of this war, especially the wounded in hospitals, to meet with us.

Faithfully your friend,

(Sgd) C. P. Summerall.

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