This Day in History: 1941-02-02

Edward Eastland, son of Mr. and Mrs. John V. Eastland of Island Ave., Ramsey participated in a colorful ceremony in New York City.  He had recently enlisted in the old Seventh Regiment, then called the 207th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-aircraft).  Prior to the regiment’s departure from New York for a year’s training at Camp Stewart in Georgia they paraded down fifth Avenue to St. Thomas’ Church for a special service.  The regiment was dressed in their field uniforms, campaign hats with red artillery cords and puttees.  Preceded by a processional cross and a band playing “Onward Christian Soldiers” the regiment marched in battery formation led by their commander Colonel Tobin.  Eastland’s battery H carried the efficiency guidon they had won the year before.  Cheering crowds greeted the marchers from fifty-seventh St. to the Church, located on Fifty-third St.  Although thousands wished to enter the Church for the service, the Regiment’s colors were blessed in a rarely used service copied from an old British ritual.

(Bristow)