The City’s Welcome Wagon: Seattle Prepares a Grand Ovation for the 'Washington Boys' Returning from Manila
As the Philippine-American War drags on, local officials, school superintendents, and citizens rally to raise funds for a massive parade and fireworks display to honor the First Washington Volunteer Regiment.
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The City Council passed the following resolution providing for a grand celebration in honor of the First Washington Volunteers:
"Whereas, the Washington troops now in the Philippines are soon to be mustered out of service and will return to their homes with a world-wide reputation for bravery on the field of battle they have brought renown to the state of Washington;
"Whereas, some especial recognition should be given them on the day of their arrival; now therefore
"Resolved, 1. That the city council of the city of Seattle feels that it must the sentiments of the entire community in its desire to honor the Washington volunteers, and suggests a subscription fund for the purpose of defraying the expenses of a grand celebration on the day their arrival, including a large display of fireworks; and that his honor, the mayor, be requested to appoint a committee of ten to raise the necessary funds.
Councilman James, who presented the resolution, followed it up with a stirring speech. He said: 'It is to be hoped that the war in the Philippines is over and our soldier boys will soon be home. Nobly they have conducted themselves on the field of battle, and they are entitled to the most generous reception that our citizens and the city can accord them. I hope that the reception and celebration contemplated in this resolution will be one of the greatest possible to give and that it will commemorate with the achievements of the soldiers.'
Superintendent Edward B. Gove of the Seattle Public Schools stated: 'I can count on the children of the public schools. They will leave nothing undone to make the demonstration a success. I would suggest a grand parade, in which parents and children could participate... We boys with the First Regimental band and escort them to the old University grounds, which are admirably adapted to anything of that kind because of their amphitheater-like formation.'
Mrs. Heartis Wood, private secretary to Mrs. Marion H. Baxter, offered her opinion: 'They have covered themselves with glory and the city may well be proud of such men... Take up a subscription and buy a big lot of fireworks and gunpowder. Then when the boys come home, paint the ground red and make noises enough to be heard down to San Francisco.'
In 1899, Seattle was already mobilizing civic infrastructure for returning soldiers, just as it would later do for World War I veterans. This early chapter in the city's relationship with its military—blending patriotic fervor with public fundraising—foreshadows the complex legacy of war memorials and the ongoing debate over how communities honor those who serve, particularly when that service involves controversial conflicts like the Philippine-American War.
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