The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-09-17
GRATITUDE OF THE
NATION IS TO BE
EXPRESSED TO ITS
FIGHTERS TODAY
Pershing to Head Parade
Down Historic Pennsyl-
vania Avenue, Which
Will Be Viewed by
Throng of Thousands


Washington, September 16.
Washington was in full holiday
dress tonight, awaiting the cul-
minating military spectacle of
the war tomorrow, when Cen
eral Pershing leads the First
division up Pennsylvania ave-
nue. in the national victory pa
rade. Approximately $4,000
veterans will follow their chief
in this last appearance of the
American expeditionary forces.
They will be officially reviewed by
of President Wilson, and unofficially by
nearly half million citizens of Wash
ington and SURROUNDING towns.
For General Pershing himself the ma
tional reception ceremonies will not end
until Thursday On that day he will ba
rendered honor rarely bestowed, pub
lie reception by Congress in the name
of the nation. A joint resolution ex-
pressing the gratitude OF Congress to
him and to the officers and men of his
army was passed today by both houses
At the last moment, in keeping with
the democratic ideals of the nation, it
was decided not to present him with .
sword as had been suggested.
WORTHY OF EVERY HONOR
Along the broad avenue which has
been trod in triunphal pageants by hum
dreds of thousands of Americans In days
gone by, General Pershing will lead .
force worthy of every honor because of
fies on this occasion the whole army
of the United States during the war.
Through the men of the First division.
pioneers of the force in France and las
Of the fighting divisions to return, the
nation will express it's gratitude tomor-
row to those other millions of its SOL
diers who could not share directly in the
spectacle, to the dead whose sacrifice
| brought peace. the wounded and maimed
and to all. the men who have gone back
to enjoy as civilians the honor and
peace and liberty for which they turned
to war.
ELABORATE PREPARATIONS
Elaborate preparations for the specta-
Gle have been made. Before the govern
ment departments grandstands have
been erected from which thousands Of
government clerks will view the line OF
march Before the White House has
been placed a reviewing stand where
Vice President Marshall will take his
post to salute the flags of the fighting
regiments as they swing by, For three
blocks along the front Of the treasury,
White House and state. war and navy
buildings the wide street has become Z
court Of honor thanked by tiers of seats
from which high officials. including
members of the diplomatic corps will
view the parade. Alone stands a mass
i've victory arch through which the col.
| umn will flow to pass in review.
Business in Washington will be sus-
pended for the day. Congress has re-
| cessed until Friday. the supreme court
is not in session and the men who ara
at the head of the three great functions
| into which American ideals have divided
oyernment-legislative, executive and
| judicial--will be present tomorrow to
| pay tribute to the marching thousands.
POSTPONES MISSOURI VISIT
| Washington. September 16.-Due to
| many pressing matters. General Per-
shing will be unable to make at this
time his planned visit to his boyhood
home in Missouri, and has declined all
| of the invitations which have been ex-
tended him. This was made known to-
day in formal announcement issued at
| the war department
| General Pershing will probably 20 to
| some quiet place where he can finish his
final report and study plans for the re-
organization of the army as requested
| by members Of Congress and the war
department.