The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-05
Fine Patriotic Programme Carried Out and Utmost
 Enthusiasm Prevailed
SOLDIER BOYS ARE
 GUESTS OF HONOR
Splendid Repast Provided and Served By Pretty Girls-Director Law renee and Community Singers
 Are Given Praise

Capitol park overflowed with patriotic men, women and children of Birming ham, in their July 4 demonstration and farewell to the soldiers of the Second Ala bama regiment when about 15,000 per- sons witnessed the patriotic celebration held last night.
 Music, singing, marching and cheering occupied the vast throngs of people as they observed a sane Fourth and bid the boys of Uncle Sam cheerful good by. After the programme of music and singing, carried out by the community singers, Nappi's band, the fife drum and bugle corps of the Boy Scouts and the huge audience. 1000 soldiers gathered around the table prepared for them on the grounds, loaded with good things to eat of every description, bottled soda water tobaccos, cigars and cigarettes, and pretty girls filled the plates they carried in their hands to overflowing.
 As the soldier boys passed out of the park, at the conclusion of the festivities, their faces carried something besides the usual coat of tan, for each one wore an appreciative and cheerful smile.
 GOOD CHEER PREVAILED
 Merriness and good cheer permeated ev cry foot of the ground in the park and was the keynote of the entertainment during the whole evening. The pro- gramme was carried out with precise ness and won favorable comment on ev- cry hand. The singing was led by Rob- ert Lawrence, director of the community singing, who was the chairman of the arranPan1antS and who won much praise for his untiring faithfulness in the work of arranging and carrying out the programme of last night.
 The community singers occupied the grandstand seats. while the seats on the lawn were running over with other sing CTS and spectators many of whom par ticipated in the singing.
 The crowd extended on all sides of the grandstand almost to the edges of the park. Thousands stood during the pro- gramme and flocked over the park after it, making merry the occasion and the soldiers. Weather conditions were ideal for the occasion, the sky clear and the atmosphere cool and pleasant. Moonlight gave an added charm.
 SOLDIERS ASSEMBLE
 The soldiers assembled and fell in line at First avenue and Nineteenth street at 745 o'clock There the procession started, 
 ip Oster Mayor George Ward, Colonel Crenshaw Captain Evans and Sol Ca heen. Next came Nappis band, follow ed by the fife, drum and bugle corps of the Boy Scouts. Then in regular order, came the 1000 soldiers, marching between the throngs of cheering Americans that lined the streets as they passed. The procession proceeded down First avenue to Twentieth street, thence to Second ave- nue, down Second to Nineteenth street again, thence to Third avenue from Third back to Twentieth street. and to Capitol park. Loud and long were the cheers of passing citizens as the soldiers gave their farewell march through the streets of Birmingham.
 After the programme the soldiers lined up before the entrance to the roped-in enclosure where the tables were piled high with cakes candies sandwiches of all kinds, chickens and other meats. fruits, salads and various other foods which the generous men and women of Birmingham had donated to the "goody shower" for the khaki clad warriors. As the men in uniform entered the en- closure they were given plate a plate which was filled by girls and ladies' wearing red, white and blue ribbons and dressed in white. as they passed around the table. Tobacco was supplied them as they left and each was given a bottle of soda.
 Boy Scouts. faithful to Birmingham in every big gathering, helped to keep or der and made themselves generally use- full.
 Enthusiastic citizens stood outside the ropes. 30 feet from the tables, and watched the soldiers receive theit bounty. After the soldiers had passed around the Boy Scouts, who had beon on duty. followed.
 Goodies" for the 100 men who were left behind at the camp were sent 70 them in taxicabs. It was necessary Una. these men stay behind to do the pack ing and look after camp, preparatory to the hike. which the entire regiment will make to Montgomery this morn ing
 After the goody shower the soldiers lined up in two long limos between which hundreds of people passed. bid ding them farewell.
 GLOWING SUCCESS
 The entertainment of the evening was given under the auspices of the Birmingham community music com mittee. Especial credit is due every member of the committees for their part in making glowing success of