On March 12th, 1917, after eight months at the United States-Mexico border, Troop D of the First Cavalry returned to Syracuse. A snowy Salina Street was lined with flags, bunting, and residents as they cheered madly for the returning men. According to the Syracuse Herald, “Thousands swarmed upon them and beside them as they marched with exalting precision through Salina Street to the old armory.” Less than three weeks later, Troop D was called back into service in anticipation of the U.S. entering World War I, which it did on April 6th, 1917. During the course of WWI, Camp Syracuse, located at the New York State Fairgrounds, became a training ground for some 17,000 soldiers.