The age-herald., 1898-09-04
The Homecoming of the Soldiers.

In these stirring times there is not a day that passes without Its own peculiar incl dent of joy and sadness, and just at this time there is certainly that touch of nature that has made the whole world kin.
 When the Alabama men marched away Alabama thrilled with pride, and now with their return all Alabama will give them a royal welcome. Should the First Alabama regiment be brought intact to Birmingham 1t would be a glorious sequel to that May day.
 Think of the return of one soldier!
 The neighborhood talks of his coming for days. The family watch and wait and then one day some one comes in shouting Hes coming! He is herei What halo is about him! He is bronzed, weary, home sick. He is tired of camp fare and all the monotonous routine of camp life. What a joy to be at home once more
 l happened to be at friends house this summer when the soldier of the family re- turned on a furough.
 He came briskly through the hall and stood for a moment in the doorway. He was very tall and very bronzed
 His mother must have felt his presence, Tor she turned suddenly and saw him. She held out her arms. My boy!" I heard her sobb1ng, for l went very suddenly into the next room, and consequently I have a somewhat blurred recollection of a soldier s Homecoming, but I think this one was probably like rare old master that one would hunt up in a picture gallery. Such was the homecoming of one soldier lad Think of the homecoming of a regiment What debt of gratitude Alabama owes hnxy I Warfare, but every mothers son among them is a hero and has upheld the honor of the state. The day the First Alabama reaches Birmingham ought to be made a memorable one.
 z In other cities where the regiments are expected to return regimentai bands and the waving of banners are not being con- sidered sufficient of a welcome Prepara- tions are being made to provide the soldiers with substantial spread as soon as possi- ble after. their arrival. Lunch committees have been appointed in the different cities and the soldiers will be provided for in abundance. This substantial welcome has been urged for these men, who have been living on camp fare all through the long tropical summer-many of them now in need of nourishing food.
 The citizens in other places have ap- pointed chairmen of the rnch committees who, with other assistants, are preparing e' ASoSb ol Sooo TOT the men WHO have been in camp or field The citizens are donating contributions, and when the regi- ments arrive the soldiers will have greet ing that will do them good. They will find homemade light bread, fried chicken, hot coffee, jellies, salads, fruits and all the wholesome fare that they have been de- prived of these long, hot months. Such will be the greeting for the defenders of the nation. If the First Alabama is ustered out in Birmingham there Is not woman or child who would not lend a helping hand in making preparations for their well come. If there is anything in inheritancy the younger women will do their part to- wards welcoming a hungry and tired sol tlier. Tho relief work of the women has gone on unceasingy. The step taken by the Daughters of the American Revolution has formed the nucleus for an endless amount of relief work.
 The General Sumpter chapter was fore most in carrying on this work. and through its efforts the women here were organized into concerted relief missions.
 Now that the September days have brought peace and the prospect of the First Alabama regiment being mustered out at