JFK+50: Volume 7, No. 2294
TR'S VISIT TO CHICAGO DRAWS RECORD VOLUNTARY ENLISTMENTS
Chicago, Illinois(JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, April 29, 1917, former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt's visit to the Windy City was responsible for "new high records for voluntary enlistments in the U.S. Army."
Captain Franklin R. Kenney, chief recruiting officer called it "our biggest day." The Chicago Daily Tribune reported on April 30 that military authorities were preparing for "a heavy rush of applicants today."
The Tribune's report stated...
"Colonel Roosevelt's visit here and his appeal to the men to take the lead in coming to the nation's assistance is expected to cause many men to enlist before the compulsory service measure (Selective Service Act of 1917*) becomes effective."
*The Selective Service Act of 1917 was reported by the Joint Conference Committee on May 16, approved by the House on the same day, & by the Senate on May 17. It was signed into law by President Wilson on May 18.
The first National Registration Day, set for June 5, 1917, was for all males ages 21-31.
SOURCE
"Recruits Break Records Under Roosevelt Spur," The Chicago Daily Tribune, April 30, 1917, www.archives.chicagotribune.com/
Theodore Roosevelt
TR'S VISIT TO CHICAGO DRAWS RECORD VOLUNTARY ENLISTMENTS
Chicago, Illinois(JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, April 29, 1917, former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt's visit to the Windy City was responsible for "new high records for voluntary enlistments in the U.S. Army."
Captain Franklin R. Kenney, chief recruiting officer called it "our biggest day." The Chicago Daily Tribune reported on April 30 that military authorities were preparing for "a heavy rush of applicants today."
The Tribune's report stated...
"Colonel Roosevelt's visit here and his appeal to the men to take the lead in coming to the nation's assistance is expected to cause many men to enlist before the compulsory service measure (Selective Service Act of 1917*) becomes effective."
*The Selective Service Act of 1917 was reported by the Joint Conference Committee on May 16, approved by the House on the same day, & by the Senate on May 17. It was signed into law by President Wilson on May 18.
The first National Registration Day, set for June 5, 1917, was for all males ages 21-31.
SOURCE
"Recruits Break Records Under Roosevelt Spur," The Chicago Daily Tribune, April 30, 1917, www.archives.chicagotribune.com/
Theodore Roosevelt
Pach Brothers Photo (1904)
