Soldiers Honored. . .
Celebration in Burlington Is Big Success
The biggest event in the history of Alamance was the welcome
to the world-war soldiers in Burlington last Friday, May 30th. It
was the pleasure of the entire county to take part and contribute to the
success of the occasion. The management of the celebration headed by Mr. W.
Manley Baker and his corps of assistants left nothing undone that would
contribute to the success of the occasion or the pleasure of the visitors.
Every link in the chain fitted in at the right place. It would take more time
and space than we now command to run the gamut of every interesting detail. To
be fully appreciated, it must have been seen. At a conservative estimate 25,000
people witnessed the pageant. The people came from all parts of Alamance and
from other counties.
The City had been appropriately decorated in patriotic
colors and the climax was reached in the massive Victory Arch spanning Main
Street.
In the parade, more than a mile long, were the speakers,
wounded soldiers and Confederate veterans and may others in automobiles, led by
mounted police; floats of handsome and expressive design, representing war-work
organizations for the relief, comfort and pleasure of the soldiers, also
business activities and manufacturing concerns from all parts of the county,
detachments of soldiers and sailors in uniform, bands of music, civic
organizations. The colored soldiers and the various colored organizations were
becomingly honored. One of the most conspicuous and enjoyable units in the
parade was the big colored band.
At the speakers’ stand in front of the Graded School
building the speaking took place. The first speaker was Senator L.S. Overman,
introduced by Hon. J. Elmer Long. Next came Judge Jas. E. Boyd, introduced by
Hon. W.H. Carroll. Both made strong patriotic speeches which were greatly
enjoyed. Then came the soldiers—three who did active and honorable service in
France. Mr. DeRoy R. Fonville, in eloquent words, introduced Col. Don E. Scott,
who fittingly paid high tribute to the soldiery qualities of Col. Sidney W.
Minor. Col. Minor spoke eloquently and feelingly of the achievements of the
brave boys of the 120th Infantry, 30th Division, to which
he and Col. Scott were attached.
The speaking concluded, the soldiers were conducted to the
immense tables where a feast fit for a king had been prepared. This part of the
entertainment was presided over by Mrs. Jas. N. Williamson Jr., and was no less
a success in every detail than the best feature of the day’s program. The
repast was bountiful—plenty and to spare, skillfully prepared. So ended the set
program of a memorable occasion.
Aeroplane and Tank
Two very interesting features of the big celebration Friday
were the aeroplane and the army tank. The aeroplane came from Fayetteville
Friday morning, following Haw river from Pittsboro, making the trip of 83 miles
in about 40 minutes. It was in charge of Lieutenant Wine. It landed in the
field of Mr. Layton Walker, near Graham station, selected by the scouting party
two weeks before. It remained until Sunday and flew practically all over the
county. It left Sunday about noon on its return to Fayetteville.
The tank arrived Friday about noon and was on exhibition in
Burlington and Harden Park. It was still at Burlington yesterday.
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