Memorial Day Memories From World War I

Battery E Boys Reach Branford: Dozen Veterans Welcomed Home.

“The church bells Friday evening again rang out a welcome to the men of Battery E and this time for their arrival in the home town. Word reached the committee that some of the boys would reach New Haven Station at 8:15 o’clock. Immediately five or six autos started and reached the station just as the train was pulling in.. As the cars reached Main street Father Murray had the bell of St Mary’s church rung and the ‘Welcome Home” electric sign, the church and rectory lighted throughout... There hundreds of people including the relatives of the boys assembled, although nobody knew just who was in the furlough party….As the news spread about the town the other church bells were rung, and for an hour the bells rung and the rain came down in sheets. The boys looking splendidly, quietly received the greetings of their relatives, showed their joy over being home again.” New Haven Evening Register 4/12/1919

"The bells rang for 1/2 hour in joy over the return of the Branford battery from the front in France" Llewellyn Barker Diary 4/11/1919

After all the troops had arrived home, it was time for a more formal celebration. The town put together a three-day festival in May. It started with a parade and awards ceremony followed by two separate evening events at the Branford armory consisting of a dance for 1,500 and a sit-down dinner for 800.

"Branford had a great celebration today on the homecoming of the Branford battery boys. All societies paraded 4 or 5 band of music and parade 1/2 mile long. They presented the boys with medals & made speeches etc. The store opened after the parade & the tea room was crowded." Llewellyn Barker Diary 5/3/1919

Parade Opens Three-Day Celebration for Veterans of World War

“With a clear sky and bright sunshine everything was propitious for the parade which opened a three days’ celebration today for the home coming soldiers and sailors of Branford….With whistles blowing and bells ringing the parade started from the Armory at two-thirty o’clock and marched through the principal streets of the town, which were decorated through the whole line of march” New Haven Evening Register

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Excerpted from Ted Braun’s book “The Barkers of Branford" available at Branford Blackstone Library. The book traces town, national as well as family history. For details see website: https://tedbraun135.wixsite.com/barkers-of-branford