The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-05-11
THOUSANDS CROWD STREETS AS BOYS
 SWING ALONG IN
 PARADE FORMATION
How Birmingham Gave It. self Over to One Full Days Rejoicing - Boys and Civilians Were
 Happy
By ETHEL GILLEN.

of people from all over Alabama | the famous 167th infantry in full battle array. paraded through the l streets of Birmingham yesterday which were crowded as never be- | fore in the history.
 The city was bedecked in gala att tire in honor of the home coming of Alabama's own. and from the time of their arrival here Friday night the widest enthusiasm was manifested.
 Long before the hour announced for the parade the streets were packed and damned with humanity which had gath cred to pay homage to these heroes. At the various intersections of the streets hundreds of yonng girls and matrons vera stationed to sing as the men passed and to show them with flowers. While the parade was forming on Eighteenth street and Sixth avenue the United States naval band of New Orleans gave musical pro- gramme while at varions corners music was furnished by the Shriners band, the four bands of union musicians, Sylacauga band, Central high school band, Indian Head Textile Mill band. Cordova band and the Ensley high school.
 LEADING THE PARADE The parade was led by the United States Naval band followed by Lieutenant Com mander J. E.. Meredith who has charge of the local recruiting station About 150 navy and ex-navy men in white uniforms carrying large sign, with the follow ing inscription, The navy took them over T h boo T1,nrn were approximately 200 sailors and naval aviators in the parade and it was the first time in history that so many sailors have apeared in Birmingham.
 The Marines came next followed by the United Confederate Veterans and the Grand Army of the Republic and Spanish American war veterans who acted as an escort for the honor guests.
 The 167th regimental band which has played Dixie" along the Rhine thrilled the spectators as it rendered this inspir- ing melody. As the members of the 167th infantry passed down the street In swinging gait it was impossible to re- strain a thrill ofs pride as one gazed on these soldiers who had made the name Alabama immortal in the world war fol democracy. The officers came first and were followed by the various companies who were cheered by friends from their home towns as they passed The wounded and unattached men followed the regi- ment being driven in automobiles by the Red Cross motors corps. On all Sloes these men were cheered and flowers thrown in their paths by the many spec tators. Major John Carroll was in com mand of this unit. AS the parade reached the Rainbow viaduct on Twenty-first street the naval convoy rested while the yiaduct was dedicated with impressive ceremonies in honor of the men of this division The parade then proceeded up Twentieth street to Woodrow Wilson parS the regiment being followed by the Boys Industrial school band.
 MINUTE OF SILENCE
 The minute of silence in honor of the dead was observed when the parade reached the triumphal arch on Twentieth street and Park avenue. With the llrlhS of a bomb every soldier ame to atten- ton and all men barred their heads as the service flag containing a large goio star and the number 5O6 was raised ~ Woodrow Wilson park. At the firing or the second bomb everyone Joined Tn the singing of America"
 As the parade disbanded the men en- tered the park where they were gwen all hour with their families and relatives This proved to be one of the most delight ful features of the programme Tor the men who had not seen tIleir ioNco OA'S'' in more than IS months
 At 1 o'clock the men were assigned to inc various hotels and cafes where they were served dinner. During the meal vaudeville show was presented among the local talent taking part being Mrs Johh Turner, Owen Gillespie Mrs. Mary Glileh' Miss Berney Gillen, Hill Ferguson, 1r' Murial DeBardelaben and Helen Jacksoh
 Promptly atS o clock the thousand au.o mobiles took the soldiers to the earnisa, on Highland avenue. In each car tnere was one or two girls in attractive sum, merl frocks and as the soldiers passed around this beautiful boulevard flowers were thrown at them as was confetti and serpentines.
 ON HIGHLAND AVENUE
 Never before has this avenue of hano- some residences been more beautifui than on this occa sion when it ressmnied veritable flower garden with it's decorA- ton of roses, wisteria. smilax ana Eng. fish ivy All street posts were oiap1a white adorned with flowers wniie mug baskets of these flowers were nansihs