Evening star., 1919-03-25
NEW YORK WILDLY
ACCLA|MS HEROES
Greatest of All Crowds in
Metropolis Cheers 9th
Division on Parade.
0'RYAN LEADS MARCHERS

NEW YORK, March 25.--NIaj. Gen
John F. Organs eth Division, com
posed of former New York state
guardsmen-veteran two-fisted fighters
who broke through the "impregnable'
Hindenburg line last summer in one of
the most gallant exploits of the world
war-marched in triumph up flag be-
decked 9TH avenue today to the tu-
multuous acclaim of a million or more
spectators 1t was a soul-stirring
pageant, the like of which the nletropo-
Gs-seasoned to many brilliant process
sions on this world famous thorough
fare-has perhaps never before wit
messed
In Heavy Marching Order.
While there was a joyous, care-free
holiday spirit among the immense
fag-waving crowds that came from
all sections of the state to augment
the citys millions. there was an un-
mistakable grim, businesslike attitude
on the part of the 1900 men-the
flower of youth of the Empire state.
The doughboyS were in heavy march
ing order. They wore their olive col
ored helmets, or "tin hats; gas masks
were Slung from their shoulders; light
packs and full canteens were carried.
and bayonetS were fixed on their
rifles
Along the long line of march-from
Washington Square to 10th street.
were little groups of men who were
unable to participate in the glory of
who had lost leg or an arm at Gull
lemont farm or at the LIE Selle river;
men who were otherwise injured in
the daring attacks that crushed the
pride of the German legions. The
wounded were not forgotten by the
them were as full-throated as the
demonstration for their more fortu-
nate comrades.
Made Supreme Sacrifice.
After the first roar of cheers that
heralded the start of the parade a
hush fell over the crowds and heads
were uncovered as a caiSSon draped
in mourning came into sight. A great
service flag with gold star for each
of the men who perished in service
overseas the III DOIlC EVIL
dence of the. division remembrance of
those who made the supreme sacrifice.
The deep solemnity of the occasion
gave way a moment later when Gen.
Organ and his staff, mounted, trotted
UP the avenue. followed by the 54th
Brigade which headed the column.
At Madison Square Garden. where
dense crowds had congregated, the
troops passed through the stately
arch of victory" just completed. The
reviewing stand was at S2d street,
with Gov. Alfred E. Smith as the prin-
cipal reviewing officer. Others in the
stand were Acting Secretary of War
Benedict CroweH. Acting Secretary of
the Navy Roosevelt and various rep
governme ents.
Police offtC4a1s who called out ten
thousand reserves to aid in maintain
ing order said that it was by far the
largest crowd that had ever assem-
bIed to view a parade in this city.
Relatives and friends of troops were
seated in an immense stand running
the entire eastern length of Central
Park. 1t was in this stand that the
most enthusiasm was shown. Here,
too. service flags bearing gold stars
were waved and here were women
dressed in black, with the tell-tale
gold star worn upon the sleeve.
Weather Is Perfect.
The troops marched in perfect
weather. The sky was cloudless, the
wind and the temperature read at SO
degrees. with the day becoming even
milder in the afternoon. g
When the soldiers reached 59th
street they saw something which re-
minded them Of days in France. This
was the camoufiage which gave the
subway excavations the appearance of
gardens of flowers and young trees.
Surging crowds battled with the po-
lice at Madison square and finally
broke through into the middle Of the
avenue. causing the parade to De
held up temporarily. 1t was with diff
Guilty that the paraders went forward
trampled by the crowd and sustained
injuries to leg and body.
At 17th street crowds again broke
through the police lines. Women car
rying babies were knocked down and
injured and some tainted. An emer-
gency hospital was set up here.
Wonderful Discipline.
The wonderful military discipline of
the division was nowhere better dis
played than by the 1 500 wounded men
a strict military bearing, rarely ac-
knowledging the cheers and plaudits
Of the multitudes and then only to
smile or nod. Several private stands
had been erected along the route for
wounded men OF other units.
An unpleasant incident occurred at
st. Patrick's Cathedral, where a police
inspector forced 800 wounded men,
seated in chairs in front of the grand
stand. to get up and seek places in
the side streets. Social welfare work.
ers and the wounded men objected to
this action. but their protests were
unhe eded
Just before the head of the parade
reached the Hotels Savoy and Neither
land guests in the windows literally
showered the wounded men in the
stands below with coins. cigarettes
and candy. The crowds in the street
took the cue and Joined in the pre-
sentation Of gifts.
"Wil1 Illumine History's Pages"
Aceing Secretary of War Crowell,
representing the War Department in
the welcome given by New York to-
day to. the 27th Division. issued a
statement declaring that the part
played by the former Empire state
guardsmen in France would "iIlumine
the pages OF American history for
all time"
THE tremendous ovation which tho
city of New York is giving to the
officers and men Of the 27th Division
OF the triumphant American Army"
said Secretary Crowell. Springs from
Just pride In achievement worthy Of
the highest national traditions.
These sons of the metropolis and
the Empire state are the heroes of