Gazette and Bulletin
February 13, 1941
Thousands Pay Honor to Two Soldier Units

Complied by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

Williamsport staged a gala party for its two National Guard units, Company K and Battery D Wednesday evening at Elks’ Auditorium before 2,000 persons who converged in the auditorium after watching the guardsmen and numerous musical organizations parade on the downtown streets.

The line of march was crowded before the procession began to move shortly after 7:30 p.m. Thousands watched the procession with estimates as high as 15,000 being made by members of the committee responsible for the event.

The soldiers, 180 of them, occupied the balcony in the auditorium while their friends, relatives and members of the general public packed the dance floor below. A varied program was presented with J. Fred Bangert as master of ceremonies.

As a finale to the strains of “God Bless America,” there was a girl kneeling at the cot with Captain Alfred Lentz, commanding officer of Company K, and Captain F.F.J. Holmes, commanding officer of Battery D, saluting an American flag in the background.

Mayor Leo C. Williamson sang the song as a solo, then led the entire group as the curtain closed. The mayor spoke briefly during the program, as did Judge Don N. Larrabee and Samuel H. Humes.

Dancing to the music of Pat Rosato’s Blue Diamonds and Lyconioans was enjoyed until 12:30. Music during the entertainment was provided by the Antler’s Club orchestra.

The commanding officers, Captain Lentz and Holmes were presented wallets by Commander, H.P. Stewart, Garrett Cochran Post American Legion as the guardsmen filed onto the state each was given a pencil patriotically decorated by Charles E, Haas, South Williamsport legionnaire representing Royal P. Steinbacher Post 617, Howard W. Kahler Post Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the local Voiture, Forty and Eight. Arnold S. Dunn, exalted ruler of Williamsport Lodge of Elks presented the men small American flags, the size of a handkerchief by the national defense committee of the Elks.