Camp Furlong Day represented the culmination of work by the states of New Mexico and Chihuahua as well as the townsfolk of Columbus, toward a new museum come visitors centre commemorating and celebrating this historic events of 1916. As on Raid Day Pershings' Doughboys and The Khaki Club made their contrubution to the official ceremony opening the new center.
Hosted by the superintendent of Pancho Villa State Park, Mr. Armondo H. Martinez, the Govenors of New Mexico, Mr. Bill Richardson, and Chihuahua, Snr. Baeza Terrasas, delivered speeches to an enthusiastic crowd of U.S. and Mexican citizens developing the idea of cultural exchange across the border, not three miles away at the town of Palomas.
The days events began with a parade consisting of civilian and soldiers of both nations in period costume. Pershings' Doughboys had the honor of leading the military contingent consisting of 15 infantrymen and a sqadron of cavalry, lead by Columbus citizen Mr. R. L. Curtain. Behind R. L.'s cavalry came 50 or more mounted Mexican citizens dressed as Villistas, complete with a very convincing "Pancho" look alike.
For the opening ceremony Pershings Doughboys and members of the Khaki Club provided the guard for the U.S. and Mexican colors, while members of the Khaki Club provided a team for a rifle salute, positioned on the slopes of Cootes Hill.
As part of the ceremony the Vice-Chair of the Doughboys delivered a short speech giving and presented a painting to the citizens of Columbus commemorating the event and as a token of appreciation for their hospitality.
Camp Furlong Day Photographs
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Group web-master poses with General Villa himself, after they first tried to
throttle each other!
Govenors Bill Richardson, seated blue jacket, and Terrasas, seated yellow bandana, at the
opening ceremony.
A Mexican citizen and partner dressed in authentic garb of one of Pancho's El Dorados
body guard.
Combined squad of Pershings' Dougnboys and The Khaki Club members wait to step off in the
grand parade.
R.L. Curtain, on the white faced horse, and others portray the 13th Cavalry for the grand parade.
Doughboys guard the Mexican National Flag at the opening ceremony.
Doughboys present the paining to Mr. Armando H. Martinez representing
the State Park and the citizens of Columbus.
Camp Furlong Day Memorabelia
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Front of the flyer detailing the participents and order of ceremonies.
The painiting, depicting Doughboys, an FWD Truck and a number of Villista's, presented
by the group to the citizens of Columbus.
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