Norwich bulletin., 1917-07-30
SAW NEW
 LONDON SOLDIERS LEAVE.
Men, Women and Children Thronged
 Wharfs Aionu Waterfront.

Men, Women and chiidren Thronsed
 Wharfs Along Watsrfront.
 Amid the tears of relatives, good wishes of friends and the cheers of townspeop1e, the First and Tenth companies. Coast Artillery of New London left Saturday morning for active service. Thousands, including many women and children lined State street. The departure of the boys in khaki was one of the brightest, as we'll as one of the saddest, scenes ever enacted in New London.
 It was a glorious summer morning and the departure of New London's soldier boys was with scant pomp and ceremony. The exercises were sim pie, but none the less impressive. The occasion was fraught with sadness, too deep for expression. As the boys stood in front of the Municiple build- ing. listening to the kind farewell of given the benediction of Rev. Timo- thy M. Crowley, pastor of St. Mary's Star of the Sea church. many eyes in the multitude filled with tears and faces were grave and sad.
 The soldiers received the farewell with calmness, and even stoicism. Sturdify and proudly, with full real ization of the significance of the occa- in State street and listened to the off, cial farewell of the people of New London.
 It was a sight that will always be alive in the memories of those who farewell was superb. The sun shone brightly out of clear. blue sky and there was tang in the air, refreshing and invfgorating. The khaki clad boys, going forth to fight for the cause an inspiring sight. Smiles, mingled with tears, and cheers, with sobs at the sight.
 Fully 4,ooo Saw Departure.
 Although it was early when the soldiers left the city an immense farewell. Fully 4,0oO lined State street and thronged in fropt of the Municipal building during the exer- diers started from the armory. There was no confusion of any kind. As the men came from their homes they en- tered the armory quietly and report ed and promptly at the hour set. the companies were in complete readi ness. 4 minute or two before o'clock Colonel Dorsey commander Of the Connecticut Coast Artillery, appeared and he was followed imme- diately by his staff. Quickly the two the units which were to form the es cort for the artillery companies had previously gathered in front of the armory The formation was speedily accomplished and the soldiers were on their way to the transports.
 Parade From Armory.
 The parade was the feature of the demonstration. Police Captain Haven marched at the head, next came the band of the New London Ship and Engine Co. The procession moved in- to State street where it came to atten- tion in front of the city hall Follow ing the band came Company E and a platoon of machine gun company, Home Guard and consta bulary of the New London Ship and Engine Go. with six members carrying a huge American flag. Then came Colonel Dorsey and his staff, followed by the Tenth and First Companies, Captains Conner and Cruise.
 Lapointe's company of Home Guards and the Tierney Cadets brought up the rear.
 The two companies. together with their escort, were drawn up in front of the city hall where Mayor Rogers and members of the court of common council, city officials and prominent citizens were gathered on the steps.
 Colonel Dorsey. aides and officers of the companies stepped up on the side wa llx saluted and stood at attention.
 There was a tense moment and then Mayor Rogers made brief godspeed 
  officials the First company marched to the Central Vermont wharf oppo- | site the Union station where the government transport Nathanael Greene was moored. The band lined | up on one side of the wharf while the | city officials lined up on the other, l forming lane through which the soldier boys marched. With barred | heods the city officials again re- viewed the soldiers who quickly em | parked. The band struck up several | airs, including Aud Lang Syne. The | Girl I Left Behind Me and the na tional anthem
 Tn the meantime the Tenth com Dany marched to the municipal wharf | where thev boarded the transport | General Pickering After serenadins he First company the band went over 10 the municipal wharf where it played national airs.
 It was a sober crowd that gathered 1n the two wharfs to see the boys depart. Mothers. sisters. fathers and brothers wep. while even those who 1ad mo relatives among the departing soldiers bore sorrowful and melan- ,hOlV faces.