Welcome Home Day Souvenir Programs

Press release from the State Library of Massachusetts:

November 2, 2020

Somerset, MA (Lawlor Press, 1919); Falmouth, MA (publisher not identified, 1919); Barnstable, MA (F.B. & F.P. Goss, 1919); Longmeadow, MA (The F.A. Bassette Co., Printers, 1919)

This November, in honor of Veterans Day, our virtual display case features four “Welcome Home Day” souvenir programs. Dating to 1919, the programs were printed in conjunction with celebrations that occurred throughout the Commonwealth and the country as soldiers returned to their hometowns from World War I. The day was a time for the community to come together to both celebrate the end of the war and soldiers’ return home, and to mourn those that had not returned. There was some variation to the agenda for the day, but for the most part they included parades, speakers, songs, a presentation of medals, a community meal (sometimes a clambake!), and activities like a ball game or tug of war. Some towns used this as an opportunity to unveil an honor roll, which was frequently also printed within the souvenir program with an indication or memorial for those residents who died in service.

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This press release was produced by the State Library of Massachusetts. The views expressed are the author's own.