A Soldier's Mother in France

by Rheta Childe Dorr

Overview

Excerpt: "On the lapel of my coat I wear a little pin, a pin with a single star, ruby red on a bar of white. My only son is a member of the American Expeditionary Force in France. More than a million American women wear pins like mine. Some have two stars, three, even four, and every one covers a heart heavy with anxiety and foreboding. That little service pin which mothers wear, fathers, too; sisters, sweethearts, wives, is a symbol of sacrifice. It should be something more than that. My star has come to mean love of country far surpassing the mild patriotism of other days. It means confidence and courage for whatever in these tragic times I shall need courage. It means pride in the young manhood of America and hope unbounded for the future of America, which lies in their hands. Before I went to France I wore my service pin for one soldier—my son. I wear it now for the American army. If I can, by writing of that army as I have[2] just seen it in France, lessen a little for other women the burden of anxiety and dread I shall count my journey worth while. I went to France as a correspondent, a reporter, to write about the war. I was sent, not because I am a woman, but in spite of the fact, and merely because my editors believed that I could handle that particular job. My letter of credentials to the French Foreign Office said that I had reported the Russian revolution for my paper and that I was now assigned to France with the view of informing readers in the United States as to participation of United States troops in war and the political situations of the allied countries in the war."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783988260208
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	12/30/2022
Series:	The World At War
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	202
File size:	986 KB

About the Author

Rheta Childe Dorr (1866-1948) was a pioneering American journalist, suffragist, and social reformer whose work left an indelible mark on early 20th-century literature and politics. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Dorr was a trailblazer for women in journalism, becoming one of the first female investigative reporters in the United States. Her fearless reporting and incisive commentary on social issues earned her a reputation as a formidable voice for change.Dorr's career began at the New York Evening Post, where she tackled issues such as labor rights, women's suffrage, and social justice. Her writings often highlighted the struggles of the working class and the disenfranchised, bringing these issues to the forefront of public consciousness. A fervent advocate for women's rights, she played a significant role in the suffrage movement, using her pen to champion the cause of gender equality.Her influence extended beyond journalism; Dorr was a key figure in the progressive movement, working alongside other notable reformers of her time. Her bold ideas and unyielding commitment to social justice inspired contemporary writers and activists, making her a beacon of progressive thought.Controversy was never far from Dorr, as her outspoken nature often put her at odds with the establishment. Her unflinching critiques of societal norms and government policies challenged the status quo, earning her both admiration and criticism.Rheta Childe Dorr's legacy is one of courage, conviction, and an unwavering dedication to justice. Her contributions to journalism and social reform continue to resonate, reminding modern readers of the power of the written word to effect change.
Rheta Louise Childe Dorr (1868–1948) was an American journalist, suffragist newspaper editor, writer, and political activist. Dorr is best remembered as one of the leading female muckraking journalists of the Progressive era and as the first editor of the influential newspaper, The Suffragist.