Even though Young was forced to retire from the military during our involvement in World War I, he remained loyal to his country. Furthermore, to support the troops who were seeing action in Europe, he wrote the song, "There's a Service-Flag in the Window," which he dedicated to the soldiers. Since it was custom to fly the service flag as long as the United States was involved in the "Great War" - the war that was being fought to "make the world free for democracy" - Young's song was well received by both the troops in Europe and the folks at home.

Adversity that could have made a lesser man bitter only seemed to further strengthen Young's character and demonstrated how he lived his life constantly endeavoring to raise the consciousness of others, especially those younger than himself. That's why in February of 1916, a year before his forced retirement, Young became only the second recipient in history to receive the coveted NAACP's most prestigious Spingarn Medal, which was first awarded to bring to the attention of the American public the contributions of distinguished African Americans who were making a difference. The gold medal was also given to inspire black youth to excel.

I feel that it is very important to reiterate that during the summer of 1919, after his forced retirement, Young would - for the first time - work as a full-time warrior for the causes of racial justice and equality. His goals as they related to "uplifting the race" were now in full focus so he became a board member of the NAACP.