Curators of the National Archives uncovered a reel of film from the early 20th century, then managed to digitize it and improve its fidelity. After extensive research, they traced it to a pair of young homeless lads in their early 20s and lacking career options. A movie camera found them in the Army recruiting center for a moment of levity just before swearing-in. They were there to join the American infantry, face the Teutonic threat, and end the Great War to End All Wars in Europe.
After meeting in the orphanage as toddlers, they became steadfast friends through thick and thin, protected each other in the streets of the big, heartless city, taught each other to read and write, and survived through many encounters with gangs, the mob, occasional street riots, the Panic of 1907, et al. During their military induction, they came to the realization that they were not actually siblings. The camera was a remarkable novelty, and they were not quite sure what to make of this new technology.
It would turn out to be their last moment together.
No comments:
Post a Comment