Sons of the Flag

During World War I, activity at Newport News surpassed anything previously seen in the city's history. C&O Railway facilities were leased by the U.S. Army and became the backbone of operations for the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. In the two years that the U.S. was at war, 583 convoy ships carried away a quarter of a million troops and 47,000 artillery horses and mules from piers along the waterfront. After the 1918 Armistice, the city's Chamber of Commerce created a Welcome Home Committee to coordinate civic associations in greeting returning transports, while Red Cross Canteen and War Camp Community Service volunteers distributed refreshments and tobacco. About 384,000 men, 21% of all troops returning to American soil, passed through Newport News and received a hero's welcome celebrated in verses honoring soldiers from North and South alike.

Newport News, Virginia · United States