World War I 100 Years Ago: April 5-11

From The Indianapolis News, Monday, April 7, 1919: “Welcome Home Day” is the official name selected by the joint committee planning the reception in May to pay tribute to the thousands of Hoosier soldiers, sailors, and marines returning from France. The exact date of the celebration hinges on the return of the 150th Field Artillery, composed of batteries from Indianapolis, Ft. Wayne, Lafayette, and Bloomington under the command of Col. Robert H. Tyndall. The regiment, attached to the Rainbow Division, is now making its way to the port of embarkation and will arrive in Indianapolis about the middle of May. It is also expected that Base Hospital No. 23 will be home by that time. Harry B. Smith, state adjutant-general, outlined tentative parade plans that have marchers passing through the Arch of Welcome on the south side of the Monument twice.