South Newport News , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Sons of the Flag
We Welcome You
— World War I Centennial Commemoration —
February 6, 2021
1. Sons of the Flag Marker
Activity at Newport News during World War I was incomparable in scope to anything that had happened in the city's history. C&O Railway facilities were leased by the U.S. Army and served as the backbone of operations for the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. During the two years the U.S. was at war, 583 convoy ships carried away a quarter of a million troops as well as 47,000 artillery horses and mules from piers along the waterfront here.
A Welcome Home Committee was established by the city's Chamber of Commerce shortly after the 1918 Armistice to coordinate the activities of civic associations in greeting returning transports. Red Cross Canteen and War Camp Community Service volunteers were always on hand to pass out refreshments and tobacco. Approximately 384,000 men — 21% of all troops returning to American soil — came through Newport News where they received a hero's welcome.
Sons of the North, we welcome you home,
From the bloody fields of France.
You've seen men fall and you've seen men die,
But checked the Huns advance.
Perhaps the spirit of Grant was there,
As he thought of the boys in Blue.
O, Sons of the Flag, we welcome you here,
All Honor and Glory to you.O, Sons of the South be lov'd of all,
Back from the shell scar'redfield.
Click or scan to see
this page online
You've fought a good fight,
You've kept the faith,
And you've made the Germans yield
Perhaps the spirit of Lee looked down,
As he thought of the boys in gray
You've done your part and you've earned your crown,
God keep you, men, always.O, Sons of the Flag, to Newport News,
We welcome you with songs
Beneath our arch in triumph march,
To you all praise belongs.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • War, US Civil • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 36° 58.574′ N, 76° 26.045′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in South Newport News. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Avenue and 25th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 26th St, Newport News VA 23607, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome Home (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Victory Arch (about 500 feet away); Victory Avenue (about 500 feet away); A Nameless Grave (about 500 feet away); Collis Potter Huntington (about 600 feet away); Newport News Victory Arch (about 600 feet away); Congress – Cumberland
February 6, 2021
2. Sons of the Flag Marker
Additional keywords. Lost Cause propagada
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2021. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 7, 2021.
