Recapturing ‘Homecoming Day 1946’
From Visit Kinston:
One of the most ambitious and heartfelt events during 20th century Lenoir County was held in Kinston on Wednesday June 19, 1946. Spearheaded by the Joseph Dixon Roundtree American Legion Post No. 43, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people attended a day-long series of activities honoring the men and women of Lenoir County who served in WWII.
Thousands of people swarmed into Kinston on that hot and humid day to enjoy a parade, barbecue meal, concerts, and a street dance – all aimed at recognizing and commemorating those who served in the recently ended Second World War. A variety of free activities for these veterans included: movies at Kinston’s three theaters, billiards at three downtown establishments, golf and tennis at the Kinston County Club, swimming at Emma Webb Park, a baseball game between Goldsboro and Kinston and three band concerts.
The day began with a 9:30 am Memorial Service at the Courthouse to honor the men who lost their lives in WWII. The ceremony included music and a calling of the names of those who died in the nation’s service. Members of the American Legion Auxiliary placed a piece of fern for each name called around a cross situated on the Courthouse grounds that formed a wreath.
The present-day marble monument had not yet been erected. According to military historian Cliff Tyndall, 99 names of county men were read that day. When the marker was installed in 1947, it bore 122 names.
A mile-long parade composed of four bands and 31 units marched up Queen Street to Lenoir Ave. The North Carolina State Guard was well represented with several visiting companies marching in the lengthy parade. WWII veterans marched with their branch of service along with First World War veterans. Organizations such as the Salvation Army, American Legion, Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Kinston Fire Department were also represented.
All WWII veterans were encouraged to wear their uniforms with ribbons and decorations and their honorable discharge button. The uniform and/or discharge button was their pass to the various “free” activities including a BBQ lunch served at Knotts Warehouse, then located on McLewean and Washington Streets.
One hundred hogs were cooked in preparation for the big day, and an estimated 15,000 patrons enjoyed a meal of eastern NC barbecue. In anticipation of the hot weather, lemonade stands were situated inside Knotts Warehouse and barrels of ice water were placed along Queen Street.
Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated in the afternoon, and heavy rain hit Kinston. The pouring skies caused the cancellation of a number of events, including the Kinston-Goldsboro baseball game and two band concerts. The scheduled round and square street dances moved from adjacent to the courthouse into nearby Tapps Warehouse. The Homecoming Day’s events, despite the rain, were described as “a day the like of which has not been seen here in a long time.”
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, of this year, a ceremony, based loosely on the 1946 program, will be held at the WWI/WWII monument at the courthouse. The names of all Lenoir County men who lost their lives in the service of their country during the Second World War will be announced and honored.
The planning committee is attempting to have as many of the remaining Lenoir County WWII veterans attend the event for this special recognition.
Following the ceremony, events will move to the American Legion Building on McLewean and North Streets, where displays of WWII US military gear, equipment, uniforms and weapons will be. As in 1946, “war trophies” from the Pacific and European War theaters will also be exhibited, and WWII military vehicles and civilian automobiles from the period will be parked around the building.
These exhibits are free and open to the public.
A guided bus tour of WWII Kinston, conducted by military historian Cliff Tyndall, will depart from the USO around 10:00 am. Tickets for the bus tour can be purchased at the USO that morning. A tour of the area’s WWII heritage has never been offered before. This tour will be a unique opportunity to visit these sites with the author of “A Snapshot of Kinston & Lenoir County During WWII,” Cliff Tyndall.
The day’s events will conclude with a 1940s social event/swing dance at the CSS Neuse Museum on Queen Street. Featuring period music, live entertainment and bevy of period celebrities and characters and dinner, this event should be unforgettable.
Tickets can be purchased at the Friends of the CSS Neuse Facebook page and event information can be found at visitKinston.com.
“We encourage everyone to attend and participate in this special series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and Lenoir County’s role in the conflict,” said Thomas Bailey of Visit Kinston.
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