Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-05-25
Tho Grays at Home From the Wars


THE Grays are at home. Thoy came back
to us yesterday. These splendid young
mon who rallied to tho defense of freedom,
symbolized by the Stars and Stripes and
crossed the submarine infested ocean depths
70 strike their best blows for civilization, af-
ter year in war-torn bleeding France. are
resting safely on their native SOIL in Il few
DAYS TO take up again the civilian pursuits
from which they were called. They went
away untred in the furnace of war: they
come back bronzed. sturdy veterans of the
bitterest battling the world has known. They
went away with determination in their stout
hearts to help whip the Hun, and they led
the way at his military overthrow
These are the young men who came back
TO us. and such welcome as they, received
Never before has Richmond so cast off all
restraint and put its whole heart and soul
III demonstration OF JOY and gratitude
Ihere have been other celebrations but
never before one that could be ikcned unto
this. From the early morning when the
first train loaded down with khaki-clad war
riors was sighted. until the last joyous
merry-makers deserted the streets late at
night. there n pnndomonium of noise
that must have gladdcned the hearts Of these
victorious homecomers. from whom the
thoughts of home never have been absent
Richmond really took Off the lid and threw
II away, and il was jubilantly happy city
throughout the all-too-bref hours of a
memorable day
Never will any one who witnessed ii for
set the thrills OF that parade. AS the vet
Grams OF the One hundred and sixteenth In
fantry. OF which the Grays are a unit swung
proudly along, they passed through streets
decorated larishly never before every
where reritable riot OF patriotic colors their
path literally through depths OF flowers each
bloom heart throb OF grateful city. and
the tens of thousands OF people who packed
every available inch oi space gave way un-
restrainedly to their emotions There we're
cheers and tears. cheer, for the ones who
have come back 10 their own people and the
valiant parts they have played in the worlds
miShtiest drama; tears for those who played
parts equally valiant. but remain in France
never 10 return. There were tears OF pure
emotion from hearts that swelled and over
flowed through sheer tenscrcss of.the blessed
moments through which they we're passing
and strong men wept and were proud o,
their tenrs when the service flag with its
sacred star Of sold passed by Even the
weather was atune with the occasion, the sun
Sh'ne OF welcome and light hearts altcrnat-
ms Win the heaven-sent tears for those who
marched by only in the spirit.
The sladSome day has come and cone.
II Was the first OF the home-comincs Rich
mona has prepared for its sons. and the be-
Sums ~ '"e PRONOUNCED CsIehTStOn which
NIL culminate in Jubilee Week The civ
car take Just pride in the fact that nothing
NaS left undone, nothing omitted that might
nave showed more wildly its appreciation.
nothing withheld that could have made these
veterans feel more keenly that Nirsinis's an
c'eA' capita! welcomes them from the deepest
oePihs OF lis great heart. applauds and thanks
mem lot WHIST they have done, and intends
10 make their future welfare its first and
constant care.