Draft and mobilization activities for World War I in 1917-1918. Major General Enoch H Crowder and his staff assembled for calling to colors the registrants of 5th June, 1918. Scenes of the second draft on June 27, 1918 are shown. Major General Enoch H. Crowder delivers an opening remark on the occasion. The United States Secretary of War, Newton D Baker, Senator George E Chamberlain, Senator Francis E Warren, General Peyton C March, Major General Enoch Crowder and Ms. 'Major Billie' Welborn draw draft numbers in July 1918. The first numbers drawn are 246, 1168, 6818, 469, and 1091 respectively. Men note down the results of the draw in charts and on a board.
An open truck filled to overflowing with people celebrating the Armistice ending World War 1. Camera tracks the truck briefly as it maneuvers around street corners. Crowds line the sidewalks. Then camera films spectators from a vehicle driving along the streets. A particularly large number of spectators surround the Old Executive Office Building. Many hold small American flags. But there is no cheering or merrymaking, as such, because everyone is waiting for the parade and related events to begin. The bulk of spectators are women. Several uniformed soldiers are seen, and some children. Crowds around the entrance to the White House.
Activities in Washington DC, immediately following the armistice ending World War 1. President Woodrow Wilson exits the White House and enters a Pierce Arrow limousine, license plate number 80002, in the driveway. It drives away. Scene shifts to the U.S. Capitol, where the car, with Secret Service agents on its running boards, drives past a crowd of people celebrating, who wave at the President. The crowd disperses after the President's car passes. A number of uniformed soldiers are present amongst the crowd. One speaks with several of the people gathered, and demonstrates how a carrier pigeon is used. He fastens a message on a carrier pigeon,and then releases it. (World War I; World War 1; WWI; WW1)
Armistice parade in Washington,DC, marking end of World War1. President Woodrow Wilson, and several officials, stand near guard shack at gateway to West Wing of the White House, where they watch a parade celebrating the armistice. An army officer on horseback rides past, saluting, followed by several others saluting. Behind them comes a marching military brass band. They are followed by another military band on horseback, leading a small contingent of mounted soldiers and two trucks pulling artillery caissons and field pieces. In succession, the following are seen: an army band; a navy band; a color guard; a contingent of sailors marching with presented arms,in salute; Yeoman (F) women in the U.S. Navy Reserve; and a team of horses pulling a float full of young women in white displaying flags of the World War 1 Allied nations. Marching beside the float are a representative from each of those nations, in uniform, carrying their respective national colors. The last group seen parading are women of the Knights of Columbus, dressed in flowing long-sleeved dresses, and caps. Many of them wear their hair long. A brief glimpse of President Wilson, walking back to the White House, conversing with Attorney General,Thomas Watt Gregory. (World War I; World War 1; WWI; WW1)
Brief view from vehicle moving along line of march for Armistice parade in Washington DC. Masses of spectators line the sidewalks. The next views are from steps above and behind spectators. The tops of various units in the parade are seen marching past. A tall float is seen entirely, with a woman,wrapped in bunting,representing liberty, and pictures of the statue of Liberty displayed on the float. The words, "In God We Trust" appear just above the base of the float. View changes to President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson standing at the White House West Wing gate with Attorney General Thomas Watt Gregory. Knights of Columbus women march past, followed by their float, decorated with flowers and flags. The K-of-C appears on its side and the words:"He gained a world and gave that world its greatest lesson. Sail on and on and on." The next float has several soldiers on it and the words: "The Song of Freedom" written on a banner. A religious float with persons dressed as Jesus and as Mary holding a child. It displays the British Union Jack. Military brass band followed by many marching troops. The liberty float seen again. (World War I; World War 1; WWI; WW1)
Civilians and military spectators, including soldiers in uniform, line sidewalks and merrymakers pack trucks and cars driving on F Street in the commercial district of Washington,DC, to celebrate the Armistice ending World War 1. Scene shifts to Pennsylvania Avenue, with Treasury building in background. Among crowds in the streets are a group carrying a box labeled "Kaiser's Coffin."Scene shifts to Pennsylvania Avenue, again with the U.S. Capitol in the background. Soldiers do a snake dance between moving trolley cars, led by a man strutting ahead of them. (World War I; World War 1; WWI; WW1)