Life — February 20, 1919 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Boy in Khaki" - Life Magazine This page features a patriotic poem by Charlotte Becker honoring soldiers in World War I. The poem celebrates a boy from ordinary circumstances (farm, shop, mill) who enlisted and died in France, fighting for "Truth and Freedom." The illustration below depicts a street scene where a woman appears to be displaying or mourning a portrait—likely of a fallen soldier—while civilians gather around. The image is titled "THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY," suggesting the fallen soldier represents national sacrifice. The overall message is sentimental and propagandistic: glorifying the common soldier's sacrifice during WWI and positioning American involvement as morally righteous. The poem urges Americans to honor these "unchad boys" with pride and remembrance.