The Great War: March 11, 1919

A hundred years ago, the soldiers who fought in World War I were making their way back home. The City of Hudson was making plans for a great "Welcome Home" celebration, an event that wouldn't happen until all the members of Company F returned. On March 11, 1919, the Columbia Republican reported that the 27th Division, "the great division made up of New York Guards," including many "Hudson boys," was back in the United States.

New York, March 6--Troops that smashed the Hindenburg line and covered themselves with glory for all time--troops of the Twenty-seventh division, National Guardsman of the State of New York--set foot on home soil again today, after 10 months' service in France.

They stepped ashore, more than 10,000 of them, from the giant transport Leviathan, which ended an eight day voyage from Brest when she docked in Hoboken just at noon.

More of the Twenty-seventh were on the Mauretania several hours behind the Leviathan in arriving. Altogether on the two vessels were 344 officers and 11,891 men of the division. Four other vessels are speeding to port with the rest.

When the Leviathan swung into her dock, with the Twenty-seventh's commander, Major General John F. O'Ryan, standing on the bridge, the wildest enthusiasm broke loose. The huge flag-waving crowd gathered there fairly roared their welcome and doughboys who lined the rails and rigging of the ship and every vantage point roared a response, while thru it all the bands played "Home, Sweet Home," and "Hail, Hail the Gang's All Here."

The triumphal parade of the entire division will be held on March 20 if plans of the reception committee are approved by General O'Ryan.

If the plans are approved, and the Columbia Republican reports it, Gossips will share it with you.
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