"A demonstration for everyone": The Preparedness Parade of 1916

John DeFerrari Discussion

From the Streets of Washington blog. Full article with high-resolution illustrations is at: http://www.streetsofwashington.com/2016/10/a-demonstration-for-everyone.html

"Washington is going to have a monster preparedness parade," The Evening Star announced on its front page on May 27, 1916. A committee of local businessmen, organized with President Wilson's assent, urged everyone to participate in the Flag Day event: "Other large cities have held preparedness parades, and certainly there is no date more fitting than Flag day for such a demonstration in Washington. We want the citizens of Washington to realize that this is every man's and every woman's responsibility... This is a demonstration for everyone, and none need wait upon an invitation..." Organizers hoped the rousing, jingoistic celebration would be a magnificent display of Washingtonian's unity and resolve against the looming threat of war.

Click on: http://www.streetsofwashington.com/2016/10/a-demonstration-for-everyone.html

- John DeFerrari