The Evening Leader

AMONG THE HEROES.
Along with the sad news that one of our Tarpon Springs boys is among the missing and the general belief that he was blown to atoms in the big explosion of the Aetna Chemical plant on Saturday afternoon near Pittsburgh, we feel that it is appropriate to call to mind the fact that this dangerous labor is one of the necessities of the war. Our boys go into these plants to manufacture the most dangerous explosives with which it is hoped to bring about a permanent peace by blowing all the hopes of world conquest out of the German emperor and his people who are fighting desperately to enslave the world that they may enjoy all the fruits of the labor of their slaves.
Thousands, yes millions, are going into the trenches to face death for the same cause and daily and hourly they risk their lives for us. The men who go into the explosive plants and play with death are just as much heroes as the ones who go into the trenches and they deserve all the honor which is due a soldier who gives up his life for his country.
We do not feel that these men should be discouraged in their dangerous work, but that they should be encouraged to accept it and do their bit. If they are lost, though it brings untold sorrow to their relatives and friends, it is the fortune of war, and a certain number are bound to be sacrificed; but for every one who makes the supreme sacrifice the determination on the part of those who are left to fight until Germany is destroyed should be and is strengthened.
We are paying the price of war for liberty, and liberty is dearer than life itself. With the dawn of each day let us in our hearts renew the pledge to beat the Beast of Berlin and avenge our sacred dead.
The Red Cross is doing its part and is today asking your help. Give all you can-others are giving their lives.