The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-06-13
.GRAYS HOMECOMING
ENTIRELY. THEIR own
Heroes Presented Tokens Of Love and
Appreciation and Hold
Happy Reunion.

Standing in the shadow Of the his
torical capitol of the Olde Dominion,
to whose proud traditions their feats
of arms in France brought added
glory. members OF the Richmon
Grays' battalion who have just re-
turned from overseas were presented
with badges of merit in the form OF
handsome gold pins as tokens Of APP
probation of the Grays' association
and their friends for gallant services
to their country.
Captain Charles A. Crawford, who
presided at the exercises. which were
held at the south portico of the capt.
to1, made the presentations. He first
pinned badge on the breast of Major
William A. Stack, commanding of-
ficer of the battalion.
Major Stack had another surprise
in store for him, which was a signet
ring of blue and gray enamel, the gift
of the Woman's auxiliary and the
Grays' association. On one side Of the
seal is an r and the other G.
General 10 Lane Stern did the hon
ors in presenting the ring to the Gravs'
leader. As state military inspector. he
inspected the First regiment COM
mand on many occasions, and he said
their splendid showing overseas had
even surprised him. He expressed
the wish that the three volunteer units
OF the state could have fought to-
gether az the Virginia Volunteers, but
as 1t was, the 11sth infantry was com
posed of representative body Of Vir-
ginians.
Following prayer by Rev. J. J. Cra-
watt. DR.. Douglas S. Freeman made
a short address Leaving the army.
N Aa<,larnd h,d
come home to be mustered into the
service of the Industrial life Of their
native city. He expressed regret at
the fact that many of them were
forced tn lose their vote on account Of
their absence. and said the laws ought
to be changed as soon as possible.
He urged them, however, to get ir1-
mediately into the active life Of the
city, Richmond needed them and
would benefit by their experience.
Although realizing that they had
no doubt become tired of the army,
Or. Freeman appealed TO the boys 20
keep the old Grays' battalion intact.
and to see that its traditions should
not die out The present companies
Of the battalion. part OF the home
defense forces, will soon be mustered
out. and another organization must Le
formed.
Preceding the ceremonies. there was
a. 'aeGrs parade frcsn tiss armnYy> on
Seventh street. west on Broad TO Fifth
and down Grace street to the capitol.
In the line OF march were the Grays'
association. many OF whose mem bers
are veterans OF the war between the
statrs. and the home defiance COM
panies which acted as An escort Of
honor for the veterans. whom Major
Stack commanded.
The soldiers marched back TO the
armory after the presentation exer-
cises and were RECALLED with feasting.
music and dancing
The supper which was served by a
charming hevy of ladies had TO be
eaten to he appreciated Many dough
boys were tempted, and had 10 return
for more OF the Virginia fried chicken,
waffles and ice cream.
Dancing went on merriiy from taps
to reveille" Two orchestras, one ut
each end of the gaily decorated drill
hall, furnished music for the dancers.
and as soon as one stopped, the other
would crash forth with entrancin 4;
music.