Local Men Answer the Call to War
As the U.S. mobilizes for World War I, young men from Kennewick begin leaving their jobs to enlist in the armed forces.
Walter Rich, the oldest son of O. W. Rich of Kennewick, has resigned his position in Connell to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Additionally, Herbert Graver has resigned his position as an N.P. trainman to enlist in the Marines in Seattle. Meanwhile, Clarence Copeland returned from Bremerton after being rejected for naval service due to physical disqualifications, despite qualifying as an engineer.
“Walter Rich... has given up his work at Connell and has enlisted in the navy.”
The mobilization of local youth into the military during 1917 created a sudden labor void in the regional workforce, mirrored by the shifting demographics and labor needs of the modern Tri-Cities during times of crisis.
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