Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-07-10

pions of right and we interested our
selves in the terms of the peace in no
other capacity. n
The hopes of the nations against
the central powers were at a very low
ebb when our soldiers began to pour
where amongst them, except in their
stoutest spirits, sombre foreboding
Of disaster. The war ended in No
vember, eight months ago, but you
have only to recall what was feared
in midsummer last. four short months
before the armistice. to realize what
lit was that our timely aid accom-
plished alike for their morale. and
their physical safety. That first, new
r-to-beforgotten action at Chateau
Thierry had already taken place. Our
redoubtable soldiers and marines had
already closed the gap the enemy had
succeeded in opening for their aH-
vance on Paris-had already turned
the tide of battle back towards the
route that was to- save Europe and
the world. Thereafter the Germans
were always, forced back. back, never
to thrust successfully forward again.
And vet there was no confident hope.
Anxious men and women. leading
spirits of France. attended the cele-'
bration of the Fourth of July last year
no heart for: festivity, little zest for
hope. But they came away with
something new at their hearts; they
have themselves told us how. The
mere sight of our men-of their vigor;
of the confidence that showed itself
in every movement, of their. stalwart
figures and every turn of their swing
ing march. in their. steady compre-
hending eyes and easy discipline, in
the indomitable air that added spirit
to everything they did-made every
one who saw them that memorable
day realize that something had hap
pened that was much more than a
mere incident in the fighting. some
thing very different from the mere
force had flung itself into the strug-
gle. They carried the great ideals
of free people at their hearts and
with vision were unconQuerable. Their
very presence brought reinsurance:
their fighting made victory certain.
STRENGTH MEANT
REAL SALVATION.
"They were recognized as crusad-
ers and as their thousands swelled to
| millions their strength was seen to
mean salvation. And they were At
men to carry such a hope and make
! good the assurance it forecast. Finer
men never went into battle. and their
officers were worthy of them. This is
not the occasion upon which to utter
an eulogy Of the armies America sent
ITO France. but perhaps since 4 am
speaking Of their mission l may speak
also Of the pride shared with every
American who saw or dealt with them
there. They were the sort OF men
| America would wish to; be represented
by, the sort Of men every American
would wish. to claim as fellow coun-
trymen and comrades in q great
cause They were terrible In battle
land gentle and helpful out Of it. re-
membering the mothers and the sis.
tiers. the wives and the little children
Fat home. They were free men under
Earms, not forgetting their ideals of
| duty in the midst of tasks Of violence.
4 1 am proud to have had the privileges
OF hsihb associated with them and OF
Calling myself their leader.
but / speak now OF what they
| meant 10 the men by whose sides they
fought and with whom they mingled
with such utter simplicity, Is friends
i who asked only to be Of service. They
Ewere for all the visible. embodiment
lIcf Amsrica. what they did made
tAmsticA and M thAt she at0ed Tor
1living reiAlty In the thoughts not scnly
lsof the people az Efanee but aieo "
tens q millions ~ nssn nd ysosl,ell