Life, 1918-01-17 · page 7 of 40
Life — January 17, 1918 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page celebrates America's entry into World War I. The illustration shows a pastoral American landscape with aircraft overhead—representing military mobilization—while two figures walk a country road, suggesting ordinary citizens witnessing extraordinary times. The poem by Charlotte Becker emphasizes American idealism: "wounded, stricken France" needs help, and young American soldiers represent "fresh" vigor joining battle-tested European forces. References to "Rochambeau and Lafayette" invoke the French alliance during the American Revolution, positioning current intervention as historical continuity. The cartoon caption—"It's a good thing we've got mosquito netting on our windows"—appears ironic or darkly humorous about home-front concerns versus the gravity of war abroad. The overall page presents American entry as noble rescue of an ally.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“It's a good thing we've got mosquito netting on our windows” America Enters HROUGH wounded, stricken France the news spread — There dawned xlad promise of reprieve at last. fast— And then they came—the drummers proudly beat Tired hearts beat high with hope and gratitude, The swinging rhythm of a martial air; Grim, patient men felt waning strength renewed, A myriad throats cheered lustily to greet As o'er the sea there rang a trumpet blast These dun-clad comrades, privileged to share From strong, fresh, eager youth whose legions vast Their new blood with the old, and honor yet Were sailing swift the thinning ranks to fill The swords of Rochambeau and Lafayette! Of those who kept such dauntless faith, until Charlotte Becker. ) xn | comicbooks.com