New-York tribune., 1919-06-02
Pershing Honors
Dead Who Helped
Turn Wars Tide
Commander in Chief Closes
Memorial Day Address in
Argonne Cemetery With
Farewell 10 His Fallen

ROMAGNE. France, May 80 (By The
Associated Press, Delayed) Farewell,
dear comrades. Here under the clear
skies on the green hillside and amid the
Towering fields OF France, In the quiet
hush of peace, we leave you forever in
Gods keeping
With these words General Pershing,
Commander of the American Exped-
tionary Force, closed his Memorial Day
address at Romagne, in the Argonnc
cemetery, where more than 5000 Amer
leans who fell in the fighting are
buried. General Degoutte, represent
ing the French government, and Mar
shall Foch, the Allied Commander~in-
Chief, spoke briefly, mentioning all the
battles in which the Americans had
participated and dwelling upon the
everlasting memory in which those
who had died for the cause of liberty,
justice and civilization would be held
by all France.
Turned Tide of War
thousands of brave men had fallen
in defence of their fresides, till Allied
hope seemed all but lost" said General
Pershing. I'm righteousness more pco-
pie rose aud our armies in ever increas-
ing numbers vigorously threw their
strength to the Allies on the side of
civilization. Reared in a land Of free
dom, these valiant men, but partly
skilled in arms, came willing to give
their lives to the cause without desire
for gain. By their energy, their devo-
tion, the tide of war turned, invaded
homes were set free and human liberty
wss saved from destruction.
"There is given US a more lofty con-
ception of the grandeur of human lib
erty and with it distinct vision of q
better world. To realize this fully the
foundations Of society must be laid
deeper and the structure more firmly
built.
Clearness in Thought Needed
"The times demand of US clearness
in thought and firmness in action. The
solidity of our national institutions
must be the bulwark against nsidious
and destructive tendencies. The glory
of our independence must remain the
leaven and our flag the emblem of all
that free men love and cherish
Strengthened by the practical test of
war and with an abiding faith in the
Almighty, let us be steadfast in up
holding the integrity of our traditions
as a guide to future generations at
home and beacon to all who are op-
pressed.
'It is especially given the soldier
TO know clearly the price of liberty.
Those to whom America pays tribute
here to-day came to us in the full
vigor of their youth. They left their
homes encouraged by beloved ones
who remained behind. AS they went
to battle they were united with a
holy inspiration, realizing their
mighty task and their obligation to
their country, and they fought with
unparalleled stoicsm and determina-
ton.
On to Final Victory
eve saw enthusiasm and confidence
carry them on with irresistible force
We saw them at Cantigny and again
a. Chateau Thiefry-at ST. Mihiel and
on this historic field in the decisive
battle of the war. We can again see
them yonder moving forward as they
steadily advance across the shell-torn
field under withering fire. They cheer
and gallantly charge the enemy's
strong positions. They put him to
fight in the shock of arms. Onward,
ever onward, they go, through weary
days and sleepless nights of contnu-
GUS struggle, on to the final great
victory.
I'VE weep to-day over their graves
because they are our flesh and blood.
but even in our sorrow we are proud
that they SO nobly died, and our
hearts swell within us to think that
we fought beside them. To the mem
ory of these heroes this sacred spot
is consecrated as shrine where fu-
ture generations of men who love
liberty may come to do homage. 1t
Is not for us to proclaim what they
did, their silence speaks more elo-
quently than words. But 1t is for US
to uphold the conception of duty
honor and country for which they
fought and for which they died. 1t
Is for us, the living, to carry forward
their purpose and make fruitful their
sacrifice"