The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-01-16

were borne at the head of this
column. The civil war veterans were
in line and following them were the
Boy Scouts. Then came body OF
thirty Greek residents, At the head
of their column they bore the Ameri-
can and Greek flags, while every in
dividual marcher carried small
American flag.
In Close Marching Order.
Preceding Company l. was the
drum corps. The guardsmen moved
up the street in close marching
order. They wore their service over
coats and carried all of their march
ing equipment. They appeared to be
considerably larger than when they
went away. All looked to be in the
best of health and finer body OF
soldiers than these never left the
state. Throughout the line Of march
the guardsmen were surrounded by
g throng of people. Mothers and
fathers and sweethearts and friends
kept pace with the soldiers as they
marched up the street, loathe to lose
sight Of them again after they had
been out of their lives for SO many
months.
At Seventh and Main streets the
procession halted and Company l.
drew up in front of the Odd Fellows
building. Mayor Lotion then stepped
out on the roof of the porch and in
a few well chosen words bid the re-
turning guardsmen welcome as sol
diers and citizens. The troops then
marched up to Blondeau street and
then down to the armory.
Main Street Decorated.
Main street was decorated for the
occasion. Flags flew from almost
every building along the line Of
march and two great food lights on
the Irwin-Phillips company and Mas
e. Bode buildings, bathed the street
with light.
At the armory there was another
big crowd waiting for the soldiers.
Here were the mothers and fathers,
sisters, brothers and sweethearts
who were waiting to greet the
guardsmen and bear them trium-
phantly off to their homes.
AS Company L marched through
The building to the drill hall, the
lines were broken time and again as
the boys tore away to kiss their dear
one awaiting there.
Turn In Equipment.
The company lined up in the drill
tall and presented arms. Captain
Chase gave his last instruction and
then the guardsmen marched out
and turned in their arms and army
outfits. A few minutes later they
were on the street, not marching
~: - 1T, - <;41 IL
hut with light hearts and light steps.
arm in arm with relatives and
friends, to their old homes and old
parted for so long,
Company l. is home.
And all Of Keokuk's citizens give
them the praise that Is due them.
The boys deserve it all. Keokuk not
only welcomes them back as soldiers,
but also as private citizens, for in
the future. they will be in the Office,
the factory and the mill, working
Just as diligently in the paths OF
peace as they did in those of war.
First Return In Winter.
Someone has recalled that this was
the first time a Keokuk company OF
soldiers has come home in the win
ter and also at night. The Spanish
vets returned on a September after
room, the boys Of 81 on an April
morning.
Although Keokuk's welcome was
spontaneous enough, it must not be
forgotten that there were some who
helped to fan the embers into flames.
Credit for arranging the welcome to
Company Z, for the parade and for
the street decorations belongs to
Charles Abel and his committee.
The chairman and his men worked
hard to make the occasion success
end they succeeded and the city
thanks them for their labors.
The Boy Scouts who took part in
the procession were Smiley, Bidwell.
I.augerpusch, vath, James. Koch.
Kruse, Buss. Pagett, Williams, How'd.
Barns, Junkins. Little, Malone, Bet
Ter. Aci1les Branson. Rulon, HELEN
thai and Clough.