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HERE is hardly a citizen
in Jersey City who will
ever forget the glowing
tribute paid to the homecoming soldiers and the
glorious welcome home
celebrations that were
given by the city officials. Early in
the morning and late at night would
find the Commissioners on board the
little steamer engaged to meet the
incoming steamers and giving the
war-scarred fighters their first greeting ere they once again touched
home soil.
Candy, apples, oranges and cigarettes were furnished the returning heroes. Once more Jersey City became famed throughout the land for the great demonstrations she was giving the boys as they arrived off the Jersey coast. Aerial bombs, bands of music and the mothers and fathers of the boys were on hand to give them their first welcome home. All well remember the parades in their honor and the decorations along the streets. |
The parades attending the departure of our boys for encampments for overseas, all of which were conducted by the Commissioners, aroused the admiration of the people of other cities. No other city displayed so much interest in its soldier boys.
In all the drives, both Liberty Loan and Red Cross, Mayor Hague and his colleagues were among the leaders, and their activity helped in a great measure in making these drives successful. Even after the war the Commissioners did not forget Jersey City's heroes who helped make the world safe for democracy. Through their efforts the civil service rules were amended so that former service men were given preference in examinations for appointment to the police and fire departments. As a result there are today in the police department two hundred and two ex-service men, and one hundred and sixty-nine in the fire department. In other departments employment was found for many others.
The Commissioners led the fight in the State Legislature for the bonus bill and succeeded in having it passed by the votes of the Hudson delegation. They also further showed their interest in the service men by providing the American Legion with headquarters at Clinton and Grand Streets.
