Norris recounted how he first learned of the American declaration of war on Germany while enjoying classical music at the Hammerstein Opera House in Philadelphia.  Following a prolonged intermission, the conductor made a dramatic announcement that the US was now involved in the war.  As Norris described, "Immediately, the leading soprano, waving the American flag, rushed to the stage and burst into the Star Spangled Banner.  The audience rose to its feet and joined in the singing."

This photo captures the farewell dinner at Pennsylvania Hospital in April 1917 before several of the men left for wartime Europe.  Norris is in the back row, third from the left.