The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-10
PARADE NEW YoRK'S MEM
The seventy.scventh Division and the
City Demand This March.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-ST: As
an ex-officer of the 3o6th Infantry,
Seventy seventh Division. l believe 1t is
not only my privilege but my duty TO
write in behalf o, the much discussed
Seventy seventh Division parade, and I
believe I am in a position to know not
only the thoughts of the mothers and
fathers and sweethearts of these boys on
the subject, but the thoughts OF the boys
themselves.
AS for all persons other than these
understanding their parents and
frlends-there can be no doubt in any
sane mind as to whether they are in
favor OF such n march. What mother
or father wouldn't be in favor OF seeing
hor boy, and especially after he has
spent his years vacation in such de-
lightful places as Bonnignes, Ancervillc.
Fismes, verdun, the Argonne. and last
but not least Brest. parade UP Fifth
avenue hailed as a conaueror and recog-
nized as brave man and a red blooded
American?
AZ for tho men themselves. Il II absurd
for any one, even though he be a So
called modest politician, even to think
that man who has gone through such
hell as these home coming boys have
gone through Wouldn't care to show Off
a little Bit on Fifth avenue. The man
who wrote the other day that no soldier
enjoys parading before millions and be-
Ing acclaimed . victor was undoubtedly
q fighter OF the Battle Of Warrington
or perhaps participated in the retreat
OF the Quartermaster Corps"
1t Is our duty as Americans TO greet
these men in q fitting manner. not
merely TO go down to the dock and shout
'TIurrah.' as the convoy comes up the
| river. or perambulato about the Plaza
Hotel sporting the reception COMMITTEES
badge, but to greet them as the late
Twenty-seventh was greeted-with din
| pers. theatre parties and a large formal
parade, all OF which will be a hitting ell
max TO the fine work done and recon-
pense for the same. Remember those men
who fought their way through the Ar
sonne thicket have gone through an eter-
nifty that probably no other set Of men
will ever be called to go through. And
because of this ono fact alone this divi.
sion, made up OF New York city mon
should DO Afforded q welcome such as ne
other military unit has ever received
a welcome not restricted TO their HON,
city, but a national one as we'll.
And yet in the face Of these facts and
others equally important certain NOR
are doing their utmost to prevent such {
welcome These same mon have beer
influential in expanding vast amounts IL
bringing the war to close: now le
them use little OF the surplus to gree
the men who won the war. And II thes,
same mon give the excuse that It wouic
affect rehabilitation plans. then let suci
men expend little more OF their tim
at the White House in order that the.
might solve the problem.
In conclusion. It is my desire, and
have no doubt but that I voice tn,
sentiment of every New Yorker. that tn
Seventy-seventh Division. the first Ma
tional Army division TO 20 to Franc
and the only division to attack through
the forest part OF the Argonne Fores
sector. be allowed to parade up Fiftl
avenue-the last march that such
famous fighting UNI will ever make.
j. PARSELL FEENEr,
Formerly Captain b Company, So6th In
fantry, Seventy-seventh Division.
NEW YORK, April g.