Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-05-08
CAPITAL HON0RS
ITS SOLDIER BOYS
thousands See Parade-Banquet
for Men and Women
in War

the clty's appreciation.
1t is estimated that in spite of the
rain over 1900 persons outside of Mont
pelier gathered in the city, coming by auto
mobile and train.
The early part of the afternoon was
given to parade, followed by a couple
of hours when the friends could meet
some of the boys they had not seen. Dur
ing this time several bands gave con-
certs in different parts Of the city. Then
came the banquet given to the returned
soldiers and sailors, Red Cross nurses,
ordnance corps women, and others who
have given their time to help defeat the
Huns. In the evening band concerts oc-
Cured and fraternities club rooms, City
Hail. armory and other buildings were
thrown open to the public. Dancing was
enjoyed in the City Hall, while an over
flow went to the armory for the same pur-
pose 1t was estimated that over 5000
persons saw the parade and that some
1000 took part in it.
reviewing stand was made of the
steps approaching the State House and
the parade was reviewed by Mayor
Shurtlef, the city council. ex-mayors,
members of the Supreme Court, members
OF the Grand Army of the Republic,
while many relatives of soldiers and
sailors had slightly places near the re-
viewing stand. Albert Adami, who was
wounded In the battle of Chateau
Thierry, and was one of the honored
guests, rode with the ex-mayors' party,
while William Coutts, who suffered a
broken leg, was another honored guest
He was a sailor and has been at home
for long time.
The parade was formed on Northfield.
Barre and Berlin streets and was in
charge of A. G. Eaton as marshal.
G. d. Pitkin. w. r. Sterling, II. C.
Lawson and G. B. Walton as aids. 1t
was expected TO move at two O'Clock
and at 2:05 O'Clock was under way There
appeared in the parade floats represent
ing nearly everything of Montpelier
city's life. The first four carried invited
guests, in the first car being Mayor
II. c. Shurtleff Senator w. p. Dillng-
ham and Chief Justice John II. Watson
In the second car was Messrs. Coutts
and Adami, ex-Mayors Ballard, Cory
and Mitchell; third car. Justices G. NJ
Powers. w. II. Taylor, w. w. Miles and
l.. p. Slack. In the fourth car was the
city council, composed of Aldermen w. II.
Farrar. r. c. Bowers, Harris Yeti, l.. A.
Kelly, W. b. Stratton and f. f. Smith
Then followed few cars with members of
the Grand Army of the Republic and the
Women's Relief Corps. These were fol-
lowed by Company F. Vermont Volunteer
Militia and then Company + of the 1O1st
ammunition train, Dove l.. McMath COM
manding, after which there were a large
number of the boys who went into the
war in other organizations. the Montpelier
fp,, tot nf OH 1f
Some IS sailors and marines followed
floats representing the different
organizations in the city, while be-
tween the floats were the delegations
from the lodges and as well as the
Montpelier Public Safety Committee,
and Board of Trade Red Cross which
came out In n large number in spite
OF the rain. Among the organizations
represented were the Redmen and
auxiliary organization Order of East
ern Star. Maccabees, Sons of Veterans.
Spanish war Veterans, members of
the old Company H, which was the
organization from which the Company
+, 1O1st Ammunition Train was or
ganized, Montpelier Military Band.
Sherman's Band, Norwich University
City Band. Marshfield Band and Nor
risville Band were placed at different
places in the parade. As the parade
reached the Union school grounds the
children Of the different schools in
the city came into line and the parade
went over the usual line of march,
finally returning to the head of State
street. where it dispersed, after which
the bands went TO city hall. Sherman e
Band of Burlington gave concert
little later.
At $50 o'clock about zoo soldiers
sailors, nurses, marines, women VINO
worked in the army and navy, sat down
to a banquet served by the Pupi'o
Safety Committee in the armory at
which Mayor Shurtleff and the city
council were invited guests. Follow
ing tho banquet, Mayor Shurtlef pre-
sented to each person entitled to
medal. one suitably engraved to show
that he or she had done his or her
bit for the nation. These were tne
gift of the city. the city council having
purchased them within few days
Mayor Shurtleff made suitable remarks
during the presentation of the medals
Extemporaneous speaking occurred
during the banquet, Senator Dilling-
ham being the first called. He referred
to the Civil War and it's result. but
stated that the results of any war can
not he measured with those accom-
plished in this one and that when the
peace is signed the first step toward
the end of Imperialism and the advance
| toward the brotherhood of man will
have been called. He told the $50 boys
who attended the banquet that they
have been making the greatest history
this nation ever saw.
| Mayor Shurtleff gave the boys wei
come home and explained the presenta
| tion of the medals as a recognition of the
| service each one has given to the coun
| try.
Col. n. b. Thomas said the highest
privilege that has ever been given any
people Is coming to the boys who have
served in the war. namely OF coming
back to full citizenship In the creates
nation on earth. He told the boys 1t hao
been great satisfaction to him that they
had lived up to what he had expected o.
them and that while he had promised
to meet them in Berlin he was glad t6
meet them here instead. Cheering for thu
Salvation Army, knights of Columbus
| and Red Cross occurred.
| II. ID. Hopkins read several dialec
| selections, there was chorus singing, ant
ex-Mayors IT. M. Cory and Il. w
Mitchell made brief remarks. An effor
was made to have Captain Dowee Nc
Math, who commanded the Montpelier
| boys, speak, but It failed.
| During the time the banquet was II
process there was a Mardi Gras was TAX
ing place on Main street. The streets
were illuminated in red, white and blu'
| lights.