The club life of the army
and navy, both in the training camps and after the men went into the
service, was most capably directed by the Y. M. C. A., Knights of
Columbus, and the Jewish Welfare Association. Non-sectarianism was the
rule in all of the huts and clubs conducted by these organizations.
Catholic, Protestant and Jewish chaplains mingled with workers of the
Salvation Army, with professional prize-fighters who became athletic
instructors, with actors and actresses who contributed their talents
freely to the entertainment of soldiers and sailors. Moving-picture
shows, boxing contests, continuation schools, canteens where women
workers served American-made dishes--these were some of the activities
following the men. The Y. M. C. A. and Knights of Columbus bore the
largest share of this work. More than $300,000,000 was contributed by
the people of America to the maintenance of these activities.
The other organizations rounded out the work of the first two
organizations and filled in with special attention to needs on which the
others did not specialize.
The larger organization, the Y. M. C. A., was chosen by the government
to carry out a portion of the government program--the conducting of the
canteens.
The Knights of Columbus specialized in comforts less considered by other
war relief organizations.
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