The two companies left Flint for Grayling, June 24, 1916, and an immense throng assembled to bid them God-speed. The Grand Army of the republic and Spanish Veterans turned out and Mayor Johnson addressed them as follows:

Officer and members of Company A and Machine Gun company, Thirty-third Regiment, Michigan National guards: As chief executive of the city of flint, I bid you a farewell in behalf of the entire citizenship of this city. Many of us have assembled here toady to bid you God-speed in the conflict into which you may be called. We hope that the present difficulty between the United States and Mexico may be adjusted without resorting to force of arms. Bit, if it not, we all feel that you boys, with other soldiers of this nation will be able to settle it very satisfactorily. You are going to be out representatives on the battle line of the greatest nation in the world and we know that you will bring credit and honor upon your country, your flag and yourselves.

Be that as it may, you have expressed your readiness to serve your country in whatever manner circumstances may demand. While we regret that it has become necessary for you to go to the front, we also realize the many sacrifices you are making in the interest of your country. You are leaving your positions, your home, your families, and your loved ones to fight, if necessary, the battles of your country.

And this gathering here today of the citizens of Flint want you to know that we admire your patriotism, loyalty and courage. And we assure you we appreciate your unselfish devotion to the interests of the nation.

Some of you may not now realize the many hardships you will be called upon to endure in climate and country to which you are not accustomed. You must remember that your health is of great importance and we hope that you will neglect nothing that your officers might suggest for its preservation.

The history of past expeditions has shown that the failure to observe health regulation has been more of a menace than the bullets of the enemy. Therefore, boys, I repeat, look after your health as far as possible, that you may return to us robust and strong.

The citizens of Flint have been pleased to contribute a small fund in a short time--I wish it were more--to be used by the officers of your companies, to add, if possible, to your comforts and health, and when more is needed, we will gladly respond.

Now, boys, as you leave Flint under the Stars and Stripes, the emblem of the greatest nation on earth, you will be followed with the prayers of all of our citizens, praying for your speedy and safe return: "God be with you 'till we meet again."

In reply to the mayor's farewell message, Major Guy M. Wilson assured the citizens that the responsibility resting on the company officers of the Flint companies was very close to their hearts.

"May we return to you with that trust which you have given us, absolutely unsullied," he said, "I have believed in preparedness for a great many years, but I want to ask you, Who is to blame for this war? I will answer. It is the great body politic of the American people who have not believe in preparedness. If you have trained your boys and your husbands, Mexico would never have dared to slap us on one cheek and then on the other. The last message I want to leave with you is, to prepare for the great task that must come, by providing military training in the schools.

"If the English language were adequate I would express our appreciation for the gift you have presented us, but I can assure you that the money will be spent to provide the things the soldiers need, and as the wives and mothers would provide, if the men were at home. God bless you, and we thank you."

With Major Wilson, as members of his battalion staff, went Lieut. Frank A. Lawrence, and Sergt-Major Edgar M. Oaks. After remaining at Grayling for three months, the Michigan National guard, including the Flint companies, were ordered tot he Mexican border.