John Basilone’s 1943 Welcome Home Parade
The parade chairman was Judge George Allgair. He served as a judge in the Somerville court system and the town’s attorney. He immediately set the bar high for this event saying “It will be the greatest day in the history of Raritan”. The day when Johnny would come marching home was set for Sunday, September 19th, 1943. The organizers called it “John Basilone Day”.
Anticipating the public would turn out in vast numbers for the parade, the organizers realized that the town of Raritan would not be big enough, so they planned to start the parade in Somerville and end it in Raritan.
At 10 AM, mass was said in his honor at St. Ann’s Church on Anderson Street in Raritan. He asked that mass be said in honor of his buddies still in Guadalcanal. Mass that day was given by Father Robert Graham - a priest from Somerville who was very active on the homefront during the war. He said in his sermon “Sergeant Basilone’s life will be a guide to American Youth. God had spared him for some important work.”
At 11:30 there was a lunch in Basilone’s honor headed by the reception committee at The Raritan Valley Farms Inn - a popular restaurant that was located on the Somerville Circle where the Super 8 Motel is today.
One parade marcher was another Congressional Medal of Honor winner, John Reilly, who had won his honors in The Spanish-American War way back in 1898
The atmosphere along the parade route was impressive. Signs were hung saying”Welcome Home Sergeant J. Basilone”. There were flags everywhere and John Basilone’s picture was in many storefronts. Raritan resident and business owner, Charley Glaser, in a 2005 interview, perhaps summed the day up best describing it as “electrifying”. The residents were amazed that such a big event was held in Raritan with so many politicians and celebrities in attendance.
It was a very emotional parade, as the war had consumed people’s lives in many ways, through missed loved ones overseas, the rationing of goods, the constant news reports, and the ever increasing number of casualties of the local men who were fighting the war.
In this field, a platform and sound system would be set up. Behind the platform was the grandstand where 250 important people from the state, military and entertainment world sat. John’s parents were seated in the front of the grandstand. At 3 PM, the second half of Basilone Day began. Speeches were given.
Songs were sung. Bonds were sold. A blimp, a big deal in 1943, flew overhead. The master of ceremonies was Harry Hershfield, a popular New York Columnist, who was also host of a radio show called Can You Top This. The program started with the singing of The National Anthem by a local rising singing star from Raritan, Catherine Mastice. Then Father Russo of St. Ann’s said the invocation.
“I want to thank you Judge Allgair and these very good home folks of Raritan for this wonderful gift. For all my buddies overseas on the front lines - that they really appreciate everything you wonderful people are doing by backing the attack and buying these war bonds. Today is like a dream to me. Thank you all for everything from the bottom of my heart.”
While Frelinghuysen was speaking, John Basilone’s 5 year old niece, Janice, who was his brother Angelo’s daughter, snuck up on the platform and sat with John. The crowd roared in response. Janice remained with John for most of the program.
“The Italian-American and the Italian Soldier are as valiant as exist when they’ve got something to fight for. Sergeant Basilone is an inspiration, not only to other Italian–Americans, but to all Americans.”
For entertainment, there was a singing quartet from the Coast Guard, who came wearing their uniforms and sailor hats. The Somerset Messenger Gazette said they “stole the show”. They received a terrific round of applause after each song. They were even called back for an unplanned encore.
Two Hollywood stars, Louise Allbriton and Virginia O’Brien, were present at the parade and rally. Louise Allbriton surprised and delighted everyone when she kissed John Basilone on stage. The crowd let out a tremendous roar. She then repeated the kiss a second time, in order to give the cameramen a chance to get their pictures. John’s sister Mary, who was close by, later wrote how John turned bright red upon his kiss with the beautiful movie star.
Three stars of New York Night Clubs were on hand - Maurice Rocco, Bob Morris, and Danny Thomas - who was at the beginning of his career. (Thomas would later have his own T.V. show, The Danny Thomas Show.)
Toward the end of the event, Master of Ceremonies Harry Herchfield talked John’s dad Salvatore into saying something to the crowd in Italian. Many understood his message, as Raritan was then a second generation Italian town, where the older people often spoke Italian. The two hour program closed with God Bless America.
On his big day, John Basilone did not disappoint anyone who came to see him. He acknowledged the crowd throughout the day and spoke briefly at the bond rally. However, personally he said that he was overwhelmed by it all. On the speakers stand he wished he would have said more, but the words just would not come out. Some friends said he was not himself the day of the parade. Everyone wanted to shake his hand or touch the medal. Some security people were necessary during parts of day to keep the well-meaning crowd back.
John Basilone remained in Raritan for a few weeks after the parade. During this period the town was thrilled to have him back. A couple times kids would gather outside the Basilone home (which was located where the Shell Station is today at the corner of 202 and First Ave.) and chant for John to come outside to talk with them. John was always happy to talk with the local kids.
