Title: Communication on Proper Care of Returning Soldiers
Date: March 25, 1919
Location: Boston, MA
Context: Coolidge addresses taking prior consideration and proper care that should be taken for the returning soldiers of the 26th Division
(Original document available here)
Adjutant-General Jesse F. Stevens, State House, Boston
My Dear Colonel Stevens: — The Twenty-sixth Division, containing probably the largest number of men to be demobilized in this Commonwealth at one time, will soon be back with us in Massachusetts. Various relief organizations have been established to look out for the welfare of a large number of the men, and they are doing excellent work. They are also planning to take care of the men who are to be released and again return to private life. It may be, however, that there will be some soldiers who will not obtain this assistance for the reason that they are not in touch with these organizations. There will probably not be many, but to the end that none of the boys returning will undergo discomfort and hardships I suggest that you immediately get in communication with the custodians of the various armories throughout the State and make such arrangements as will provide sleeping places and provision for food if necessary for any soldiers who may be in need of these things. This work if necessary can be carried on in conjunction with the local relief committees, and by so doing we can prevent suffering of any returning soldiers.
Citation: Messages to the General Court, Official Addresses, Proclamations and State Papers of His Excellency Governor Calvin Coolidge
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Pamela Mett, who prepared this document for digital publication.