Celebrating History: Recruitment ramped up

By Emily Mayer

As The Great War raged on in Europe, the United States Government was recruiting more men between the ages of 21 an 31 to go and fight “over there.” Those listed in Classes 2 and 4 were being required to be drafted. An article on the front page of the May 25, 1918, edition of The Havre Plaindealer said, in part:

CLASS TWO AND FOR MEN NOW FACE DRAFT

Plan Approved by President to Weed Out Non-Essentials

… It is estimated by the provost marshal general’s office that there are several hundred thousand men in classes 2 and 4 who are not engaged in useful war work. Inc...