On Friday, July Twenty-five, 1919, Townsend honored her ‘Soldier Boys’ returning home from the World War 1917-1918.
An official Souvenir Program was created “Given in Honor of the Return of the Boys who Served in the World War 1917-1918. “
The Program for the day lists a variety of activities to celebrate the returning soldiers.
At 9:30 a Band Concert was held on the Common to begin the day. It was followed by the start of a Parade at 10:00 with R. G. Fessenden acting as the Chief Marshall.
At 12:00 Lunch, Ice Cream and Soft Drinks were served on the Common “at reasonable prices” to help pay the expenses of the day.
At 1:45 a Ball Game took place at Athletic Park, between the ‘Service Boys and the Civilians.”
Imagine the excitement of Townsend’s residents and those of surrounding towns, when …
“Between the hours of 1 and 2 o’clock, Lieut. Moffat, of Camp Devens, will fly from the Camp to Townsend, and give an exhibition of flying. This is courtesy of the War Department.”
At 4:00 there was a Band Concert on the Common, probably similar to our Band Concerts today, followed by a Banquet in Memorial Hall at 6:00. “The Banquet will be served to the returned Soldiers and Sailors, Veterans of the Civil and Spanish Wars, and invited guests.”
At 8:00 Welcome Home Exercises were held in Memorial Hall. The Speaker of the Evening was Brigadier General Charles H. Cole, Commanding 52nd Infantry Brigade, 26th Division, A.E.F.
Medals of Honor were presented to the men. The Historical Society is fortunate to have the medals given to John Eldridge, Walter Gerry, and George H. McElligott.
The Honor Roll of Men has many names that are still a part of Townsend today. Do you recognize an ancestor?
The Banquet Menu served to the returned Soldiers, Sailors, Veterans of the Civil and Spanish Wars, and Invited Guests.
This Memorial Day, on the last Monday in May 2025, Townsend will carry on our annual observances remembering our fallen ‘boys’ and girls – our servicemen and servicewomen, who have served our nation, giving their lives for their Country. The first national Memorial Day was held on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was made a national holiday in 1971.
A line from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “ Recessional”
During World War 1 posters were created to support the purchase of War Bonds and also to educate the public on how they could support the troops fighting abroad. Here are a few WW1 Posters that are part of the Townsend Public Library – Resource Room / History Collection.
One final note – A scheduled expedition of flying was planned to take place between 1 and 2 o’clock on July 25, 1919. The citizens of Townsend and surrounding towns were awaiting the expedition. Lieut Moffatt of Camp Devens, courtesy of the War Department, took off on his journey. Unfortunately his plane lost power and crashed into the front yard of a home on Turnpike Road. Fortunately, no one was hurt including Lieut Moffatt, but I’m sure his pride took a few bruises. Townspeople can be seen in the photo examining the crash site.
