Parade Under Victory Arch on Main Street in Burlington, Speeches, a Feast, Plus Aeroplane and Tank, June 5, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., Thursday, June 5, 1919, J.D. Kernodle, editor.

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 30^th. 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 120^th Infantry, 30^th 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.