The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1919-04-04

ly an occasional smile breaking out
despite all military regulations.
There was no break in the line of
spectators though fathers and moth
ers followed their sons for blocks
with their eyes.
eff I'd known the whole State was
going to turn out to see Dave when
he came home, I don't think would
have objected to his going in," said
one farmer. "And I don't believe
I'll shoot the local board as I had
about made up my mind to do," he
concluded.
When the troops were passing and
the eye was weary with seeing and
the ear tired with hearing, a band
came in view. Its drum major sight
ed the reviewing stand, and his ba-
ton waved vigorously.
There was a rattle from the drum,
and then the opening notes of Dixie
burst on the air. The crowd was
electrified, and cheer after cheer
rent the air that had become mo-
mentarily quiet. An old Confederate
veteran, with his hat in his hand,
said, "That tune, you can't beat it."
A parade without dog would be
dismal failure. When Company A
of the One-Hundred and Seventeenth
Infantry came into view, dog was
in the lead. He rejoices in the name
of Whiz Bang, wears a service and a
wound stripe and has seen service
in Belgium. The wound stripe was
awarded as a result of a gas attack,
and the dog is held in high esteem
by every member of the company.
The reviewing stand was situated
off of Main Street at some distance,
and some of the troops passed it by
without seeing it. Capt. R. K. Glib
son, Jr., stationed himself some 80
feet down Main Street in front Of
the Imperial Hotel, and using his
hands as trumpet informed each
officer of the location of the review
ing stand.
Many of the officers failed to hear
him in the noise and cheering, but
after the passing of the first regi-
ment most of the officers saw the
stand and came to salute when pass
ing.
The Wounded Pass.
Directly behind the last company
came the wounded soldiers from
Camp Jackson in automobiles driven
by members of the Red Gross motor
corps.
The men received rousing recep-
ton all along the line, and appar-
emily enjoyed the outing which the
parade afforded them.
After having passed up Main to
Elmwood Avenue, the columns pass
ed down Sumter Street and the men
were dismissed near Gervais.
At once the soldiers focked to
Main Street, where they were served
with edibles at the booths along the
thoroughfare.
Last night Main Street presented
a scene of movement and color. The
amusement places were crowded to
the doors and restaurants and soda
'ountains were full to capacity until
late at night.
The parade was about one hour
late. About the only people whom
that hours wait bothered bit were
the police-munciipal and military.
They spent it trying to keep back
he eager crowds that pushed for
ward as if anxious actually to en-
trace the boys when finally they
should come.
And finally they did come. AS they
swung into Main Street from Ger
';s they marched through borders
of school children who flung confetti
md flowers in their path. 1t wcs iH-
terestly to watch those faces, 50
sternly military just around the
corner break into smiles as the floral
shower struck them. The wind blew
'harply up the street and often a
blossom, landing upon a khaki chest,
would be held there by the gusts-a
fit decoration of honor bestowed by