The “Louisville and the Great War” exhibit at the Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch was a big hit. We received dozens of comments and questions since the Exhibit ended. I appreciate the positive response, and hopefully we will be able to put together another one in near future.
If you have not seen an original photo of this type, I encourage you to come and see them. Like they say, if a picture says a thousand words, and I say, one over 3 feet long must say 10,000, and 24 panoramic’s make you speechless.
Ken Maguire
On Monday, November 3, 2008, it will mark the 91st anniversary of the formal opening and dedication of Camp Zachary Taylor. Although the Flag Pole is long gone, “Flag Hill” still exists, only now occupied by homes.
Ninety One years ago on Saturday November 3, 1917, Camp Zachary Taylor was formally dedicated with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Military display of precision and spectacle that amazed the audience and brought pride to their hearts.
On a beautiful fall day, the entire 84th Division of 30,000 soldiers stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor along with thousands of civilians listened to the speeches of General Hale and Governor Stanley. They watched and listened to the buglers as the Flag was raised and unfurled on that early November morning.
The following is a reprint of an article from the Courier Journal on November 4, 1917 about the ceremony. It is reprinted here with permission from the Courier Journal. We want to thank them for the use of this description of the events that day.
The Courier Journal, Sunday Nov. 4, 1917.
Scenes at Unfurling of “Old Glory”
Photos – Top – Members of Division Staff at attention before the speakers stand.
Center – Maj. General Harry C, Hale introducing Governor Stanley.
Bottom – Panoramic View of “Flag Hill: during ceremonies. Inset photo, One of the French Officers who arrived as camp yesterday, an interested spectator.
Thousands Feel the Thrill of Pride at the Flag Raising
Impressive Ceremonies at Camp Conducted with Military Precision
Governor Pays Tribute
By Douglas Kirk
The ethereal spirit of General Zachary Taylor must have looked down and smiled a blessing yesterday morning when 40,000 soldiers and civilians jointly paid respectful homage to their flag – the same “Old Glory” to whose field General Taylor added a star and which will permanently float over the army camp that bears his name.
With ideal weather conditions producing a perfect Indian summer day the ceremonies attending the flag raising were both brilliant and impressive.
“There it Flies – Unconquered and unconquerable” was the tribute paid by governor Stanley as he pointed to the banner whipping in the breeze high above his head. The remarks sent a thrill of pride through the breast of every American present, and the applause that followed lasted several minutes.
The ceremonies began promptly at 10:30 o’clock, but the visitors began pouring into the camp when the entrances opened at 9 o’clock. The soldiers began assembling at 10 o’clock and by the time the notables had arrived there was a solid wall of khaki stretching out of the base of “Flag Hill”.
IN FULL UNIFORM
Governor Stanley and his staff in full regalia marched out to the flag pole accompanied by General Hale and members of the Division Staff. The procession was formed in two columns of two at division Headquarters and was headed by General Hale and Governor Stanley. Following in order were Mayor Buschmeyer and Col. Laurence Halstead, Division Chief of Staff; Congressman Swagger Sherley and Adjt. General J. Tandy Ellis. Mrs. Stanley, wife of the Governor, and several young women of the party were escorted to the platform by Captain Oscar Griswold and Lieut. Willis Hale, aides to Maj. General Hale.
The governor’s party took several seats on the platform built around the flag pole, while the Division Staff formed a double rank directly in front. Every inch of the platform was draped in American Flags.
Governor Stanley was introduced by General Hale after a brief speech in which he said:
“We have been called today to dedicate the flag of our country in the service for which it was designed. Our work at Camp Zachary Taylor is divided into two periods. The ceremonies today mark the completion of the first period – the period of construction. We are now entering on our second and last period, that of instruction, which will terminate with our departure to France.
Governor Stanley’s voice was at it’s best, and his speech was replete with glowing tributes to the flag and it’s defenders. In part he said:
“Although we have raised this flag but a little more than 100 feet here, it is floating high enough to be seen around the world. I have fancied that its folds inspire not alone the gallant thousands who have salutes it, but that also, with tear-rimmed eyes and with maimed and broken bodies, dauntless heroes of France, shattered legions in the Alps, and all the world gazing upon the flag today with the hope that is this nations strength is destined to make the world safe for democracy.”
EMBLEM OF LIBERTY
“This Flag shall stand for the liberation of a brave people who have uncovered their breasts to save their homes from destruction and their women from dishonor. We dedicate it to freedom here and around the world the word to the cause of democracy, wherever slave drags a chain and where people suffer under autocratic rule. Those thousands that go into battle under it’s folds go to teach mankind that there is civil liberty.”
Governor Stanley spoke of that time not far distant when the flag wavering above him would be drenched with the blood of heroes. He did not dwell on this sad subject, however but reminded the audience that the cause would not have been in vain.
The program for raising the flag was carried out with a military precision that brought applause from the civilian audience.
After General hale and the Governor had arrived at the speakers platform the escort of the colors to the stand was commenced from in front of Division Headquarters. The escort was composed of the division Band, led by Sargt. Jesse Woodward, followed by a picked company under arms commanded by Capt. A. R. Elloitt. The colors were carried by Capt. J. E. Madden.
COLORS PRESENTED
The escort marched into the open field, made a wide detour and came in line directly in front of the speakers stand. The order was given to “Present Arms” while Capt. Madden marched up the stand and presented the colors to General Hale,
General hale on receiving the colors handed them over to Maj. Walter Krueger, Assistant Division Chief of Staff, who fastened them on the halyards at the foot of the flag pole. The flag, which is nineteen feet by ten feet in size, was rolled into a small package and tied with a knot which would break at a slight jerk in this shape, it was run up to the top of the pole.
As the bundle was being hoisted a squad of twenty buglers sounded “To Colors”. When they had finished general hale gave the signal and Maj. Krueger jerked the halyards wich he held in his hands.
Like a rose bursting into bloom the flag that had never been conquered unfolded and spread out to it’s full breadth. The wind straightened out the folds and showed of it’s beauty so well that cheers burst from the lips of the civilians who were standing below. The time that the bugles began sounding “To Colors” every officer and man in khaki was standing rigidly at attention with his hands in salute. When the bugles had finished the band played “The Star Spangled Banner”, and the last strains of music floated away, 30,000 hands dropped to their sides of the saluting soldiers.
Orders were given to dismiss the troops, who were too far away to hear the speeches. When the men had filed off, the military police under Col. C. F, Crain, Division Provost Marshal, who had been holding the civilians back from in front of the speakers stand, stepped back and allowed them to approach as close as they chose.
SHORT RECEPTION SPEECH
At the completion of the speaking, which was very brief, there was a short reception held at the foot of the speakers stand, at which officers of the Division Staff were introduced to Governor Stanley and his party.
The governors staff consisted of Col. Charles V. Norton, Col, Charles H. Ryan, Col. C. A. Bell, Col. W. J. Baird, Col. R. C. Oldham, Col. W. J. Abram, and General J. Tandy Ellis.
Mrs, Stanley was accompanied by Mrs. Charles V. Norton, Mrs. F. W. Samuels, Miss Mary Terry Burnett and two daughters of Col and Mrs. Norton.
General J, Tandy Ellis wore the regulation olive drab service uniform while the Colonels on the governors staff were garbed in picturesque dress uniforms of the army. Each wore side arms and gave a brilliant touch of color to the scene.
Several thousand women were noticed among the visitors who witnessed the ceremonies. Following the speaking a band concert was given by the Division band, which was formed by picking men from five regimental bands, Few of the visitors could believe that the band had only been practicing together only three days.
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