The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-06-02

semble in detachments on the. soil OF
France to render honors to American
soldiers who had died fighting for free
DOM In Beaumont, .Romagne and other
parts of France, the General told the
civilians. the Americans we're turning
over the graves of these heroes to their
French comrades in arms, and he felt
sure that these graves would be well
| cared for by the population for the nb-
Grafton Of whose territory the soldiers
had fallen.
Several hundred French women and
children who had strewn flowers upon
the American graves came up and
thanked Gen. Pershing for what he and
hands with all of them and then came
on to Romagne.
Significant Day, Says Pershing.
Memorial Day this year has for us
peculiar significance" said General
Pershing in beginning his Romagne ad-
dress. Our nation" he continued, has
/ taken an important part in the greatest
war OF history. With tremendous ex-
penditure Of life and treasure an end
has come TO the terrible conflict which
has wrung the world for four years
1t was q war against forces Of conquest
that had violated every law o: humanity
1t was waged against militarism and
despotism and their arbitrary extension
10 other lands.
thousands of brave men had fallen
in defense Of their fresides till allied
hope seemed all but lost In righteous
ness. moro people rose, and our armies
In ever increasing numbers vigorously
threw their strength to the Allies on
the side Of civilization. Reared in a
land Of freedom, these valiant men. but
partly skilled in arms. came willing to
give their lives to the cause without de-
siro for gain. BY their energy, their
devotion. the tide OF war turned. invad-
ed homes were set free and human lib
erty was saved from destruction.
1.-THE principles which our 'forefathers
fought to establish the heroic dead who
lie here fought to maintain. and their
ideals have brought our gift to the Old
World. But beyond this, our own people
through these sacrifices gained much
honor az individuals and as a nation.
There Is given us a more lofty con-
ception Of the grandeur of human lib
erty and with It a distinct vision of
better world To realize this fully the
foundations of society must be laid
deeper and the structure more firmly
built.
Clarity ana Firmness Needed.
1.-The times demand Of US clearness in
thought and firmness in action. The
solidity Of our national institutions must
be the bulwark against insidious and de-
structive 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 unfolding the integrity Of
our traditions as a guide TO future gen.
erations at home and a beacon to all
who are oppressed.
1T Is especially given the soldier to
know clearly the price of liberty. Those
to whom America pays tribute hero to-
day came with us in the full yigor of
their youth. They left their homes en-
couraged by beloved ones who remained
behind AS they went to battle they
were united with a holy inspiration. real
ling. their mighty task and their obliga-
tons to their country, and they fought
with unparalleled stoicism and determi
nation.
I'VE saw enthusiasm and confidence
carry them on with irresistible force.
VS. saw them at Cantigny and again at
Chateau Thierry, at st Mihiel and on
this historic field in tho decisive battle
OF the war. We can again see them
yonder moving forward as they steadily
advance across the shell torn field under
With ""1- fire.
~ 80 rNoer and CALAMITY charge the
t' 80, positions. They put him
- d.snt IN the shock of arms. Onward.
ever onward they so. through wear
days and sleepless nights OF continuous
struggle, on to the final great victory.
b.. 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 30 nobly died. and our hearts swell
within us 10 think that we fought beside
them. To the memory OF these heroes
this sacred SPOT is consecrated az a
shrine where future generations OF men
who love liberty may come TO do hon.
age. 1t Is not for US to proclaim what
they did, their silence speaks more elo-
quently than words. But It is for us TO
uphold the conception OF duty, honor
and country for which they fought ard
for which they died. 1t Is for us, the liv-
ing. to carry forward their purpose and