THEY HAD WAITED for six long months, most of them, following the end of World War I. Finally, on May 7, 1919, Hoosier soldiers burst into the city of Indianapolis—home, or close enough. In recognition of their brave 19-month fight, they were honored with a new state holiday: “Welcome Home Day,” one of several post-war celebrations of the same name held across the country.
With 4 million troops ready to come home following the war, there was a delayed-departure schedule—and lots of clamoring—for flights, which is why it took the Hoosier fighters so long to return. When they at long last arrived via train at Union Station, jubilant crowds surged forward, with people seeking out their sons, brothers, husbands, and friends.
The returning soldiers … were met with a “Victory…