Norwich bulletin., 1916-10-13
ALL WILLEMANTlC TURNS OUT
 TO WELCOME HER SOLDIERS
Thread City Citizens Extend the Glad Hand to Go. L, Who Returned from Mexican Border-Big Street Parade, Followed by Reception in Armory.

The ringing of the fire bell at 6.2G o'clock Thursday evening was the sig nal for a large crowd to cOngrega-e e at the railroad station and that Vii clnlty to extend welcome home to members of Company L. It did not take long for a crowd of nearly 1000 people to gather at the corner of Main and Railroad streets. This crowd was SWelled to nearly 5000 before the com pany arrived at the station.
 Marshal Frank P. Fenton was O.. the scene early and formed the differ ent organizations in line. The G. A. R. veterans in an automobile were fol lowed by the city and town officials in automobiles. The rest of the line as made up by Marshal Fenton was as follows. After the city and tow officials came the marshal and his staff. the American band, fremen, Garde F1orimond. Boy Scouts, Polish societies, K. of C.. K. of P, Loyal Or der of Moose, ex-members of Company L and Company [, brought up the rear The above organiza tions were formed in line on Main street where they awaited the arrival of the com pany.
 Many times the large crowd was disappointed on hearing that the train the local boys were on had been de- layed and it was S.43 before it got in to Willimantfc. Enthusiasm ran high as the train approached the station and when the A members and three officers alighted from the train the crowd broke loose and surrounded the boys, giving them a royal welcome When Captain Tiesfng gave the order for attention the company soon formed into line and started down the plat form where they were greeted by May or Dunn. The, company then preceded to Main street where they were halted to wait for the start of the parade The parade started up Main street at 8.55 and as Company L SVung into line they were given a big ovation by the people on the street. All along the line of march, which was up Main over Bridge and down Pleasant streets, the sight of the returned boys was a signal for an outburst of enthusiasm. At the armOry the city officials lined up on each side of the walk leading into the building and made a passage for the company which upon entering the drill hall stood at attention. After the different organizations had taken their places in the hall the doors were thrown open and between two and three thousand people poured into the building. The company was soon put at rest which was a call for the friends, relatives and sweethearts of the boys to rush forth and extend greetings.
 The company was again brought to attention soon after which a very pFelIy SlSnE LOOK pIaCe when the three little children of Captain Tiesing step ped forth to greet their father. The ceremony took but a short while but brought an exclamation from the peo- pie assembled in the hall.
 Mayor Dunn then introduced First Seltceman Ernest P. Chesbro who welcomed the boys on behalf of the town. Commander J. B. Baldwin of the G. A. R. was next introduced and welcomed the company on behalf of the veterans who knew what it meant to return from the front. Town Clerk Frank P. F'enton then introduced May or Dunn who welcomed the boys in behalf of the city.
 The mayor said that the hearts of the people went out to the boys, as the members of Company L are noth- ing but boys, on their return to their homes. You boys responded to the cal of the country and very patrioticaIlv responded to defend the country and honor Willimantic. The prophecy that all would return, made when the com pany left. has been fulfilled. said the mayor. The mayor closed his re- marks by stating that the town and city would honor and respect the boys and everyone was glad that they had returned
 Captain Tiesing then asked the members of his company what the thought of Willimantic and three rous- ing cheers were given. The boys then partook of a supper which had been prepared for them by the general com- mittee.