New Britain herald., 1916-06-24
New Britain's Soldier Boys Sent on Their Way While Hundreds Shout and Band Plays "Star Spangled Ban- ner" and "America"

With thousands of citizens lining the streets cheering madly and the Phil harmonic band leading them, New Britain's contribution to the defend- CTS of the country marched to the de- pot shortly before 1 o'clock today and there entrained for Mantle to prepare for duty on the Mexican border and what may develop into an invasion ot the southern republic. There were nearly ITO in all, khaki clad and equipped for the stern service of war. Companies K and l of the First Regi- ment, Connecticut National Guard, left the arrnory at 12:40 o'clock enroute for the station, The baggage loaded aboard four big auto trucks proceed ed them and was stacked in coaches at the Commercial street siding await ing the hour of departure.
 City in Gala Array.
 Although but sh ort notice had been given that the troops were to depart at noon today, New Britain citizens were not slow to appreciate the true meaning of the event and the morning hours were spent in throwing the stars and stripes to the breeze. Old Glory hung from public and private build ings all along the line of march and many of the business structures were spread with bunting. New Britain has not seen such an event since that memorable day in May, '9S, when she sent out three companies to the Span ish American war and many were re- minded of that great occasion.
 Leave the Armory.
 Almost to the minute at 12:40 o'clock Company E, preceded by the Philharmonic band, swept from the armory and took up the march down Arch street The strains of patriotic air were waited down to the expectant and enthused onlookers lining Main street, and the word 'They have started" was flashed along the route. Mingled emotions swept the vast crowd. Pride and patriotism were up permost, but grief and sadness were not absent. There were mothers, wives and sWeethearts in the throng who could not but feel the departure was fraught with a deeper significance than the mere playing of bands and the crash of martial music. To them it meant the heeting of dear ones, the last sight perhaps of those brave lads who have offered all that man can give in the service of his country. Wet eyes and tear-stained faces were not few in that assembly and though there were cheers and hearty well wishes for the boys in the ranks as they swept by on the march to the depot, one could not but feel that the sacrifice was not all on the part of the uni formed lads marching off to war to the tune of patriotic songs.
 Light Spirits at Armory.
 The knowledge that the day of de- parture had arrived was received With the greatest enthusiasm by the boys at the armOry. It was what the majority enlisted for and the news that the departure was ordered for 1:10 o'clock this afternoon was hailed with the greatest delight. "RoOllies" who had had their spirits reduced to the minimum by the heartless drill ser geants during the eventful six days of the present week were not the least happy by any means when told to get ready for Mantle.
 They knew that Mantle means plenty and more of the same thing they have been going through the past few days, but at least it is a step
 l, D