'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Derby's celebration for soldiers

Turnback Tuesday remembers the Welcome Home Celebration on Aug. 17, 1946 for our men and women who served in WW II.

An entire day of activities was planned including a parade, baseball, food and dancing.

Veterans were asked to leave their wallets at home and were treated to food and beer for their parched throats. The city and its residents acted as hosts.

All businesses and households were asked to fly an American Flag. Army beat Navy in a baseball game.

It was estimated that at least 1,000 veterans took part in the event.

There were literally thousands dancing in the streets for the Block Dance between Fourth and Fifth Streets in Derby.

The library is looking for a copy of this program to add to our Reference History Room.

Please contact us if you have one that you can donate. Thank you.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.