New Britain herald., 1919-09-08
Vast Throng of Americans Cheer Famd Leader of A. E. F. as Giant Leviatl Docks at New York. - Secretary of M Baker, on Hand To Receive Army C1 mander, Declares Entire Nation is Pr| of Him And The Brave Men He Dired to Victory Against Germany.
President Wilson, Unable to Be Present, Sends Per sonal Message of
 Greeting to Hero.

New York. Sept. S.-In welcoming General Pershing, Secretary Baker said:
 About two and half years ago, by the presidents direction, I had the honor of designating you to lead the armies of the United States in France. Today you return, your mission ac- complished, with victory written on the banners of the greatest Army the nation has ever had and with the priceless foundations of liberty and freedom saved for us and for the world as the result of our participa- tion in the World War.
 Confidence Was Unshaken.
 "'The tasks entrusted to you "e- quired all the imagination, all the energy and all the genius of great commander From the first you had the complete confidence of the presi- dent and the secretary of war. This confidence remained unshaken to the end. From the beginning you hal all the support the people of the great Army embodied for their coun- y worked with devotion and self-sacrI- flee to sustain you with troops and equipment. Their hearts went over seas with you and their prayers for your welfare and that of your men were constant. Doubtless the conh- dence and affection of your fellow citizens were an inspiration to you in the hours of preparation and the hours of battle; the splendid exploits of the Army under your command were, in turn, an inspiration to our national effort.
 Great Victories Are Won.
 "The great victories are now won. Your magnificent Army has returned and the soldiers who once marched through the thickets of the Argonne are citizens again, filled with high memories of great deeds and carrying g into life the inspiration which nfem- bership in that great company and sacrifice for that great cause engen- dered. Your return closes the his tory of the American Expeditionary Forces. The president had hoped to be here personally to speak on behalf of the nation word of welcome. Tn his enforced absence, he has directed me to speak it.
 Welcome Back Again
 ''I bid you welcome, gratefully, on behalf of the country you have served and on behalf Of the people whose sons you have led. The confidence with which we sent you away you have saCredly kept. Wherever there is a soldier or a friend of a soldier, there is a lover of liberty; wherever there is a heart which rejoices at the deliverance of mankind from it's hour of peril, you and your great Army are remembered and loved. You re- turn not only to America, but also 10 the heart of the country.
 Wilson Sends Message.
 "The president has directed me to read to you this m essage:
 My Dear General Pershng:
 "I am distressed that l cannot greet you in person. It would give me the greatest pleasure to grasp your hand and say 10 you what is in my heart and in the hearts of all true Americans as we hail your return to the hOm eland you have served so gal lantly. Notwithstanding my physical absence, may I not as your com mander- in chief and as spokesma Of our fellow Countrymen, bid you an af- fectionate and enthusiastic welcome a welcome warmed with the ardor Of genuine affection and deep admira- tiOn. You have served the country with fine devotion and admirable eff tiCiency in a war forever memorable as the worlds triumphant protest against injustice and as it's Vindica- tion of libertY-the liberty of peoples and Of nations.
 Praises Work of \. F.. T.
 We are proud of you and of the men you commanded. No finer ar mics ever set their indomitable strength and unconquerable spirit against the forces of wrong. Their glory Is the glory of the nation, and 1t Is with a thrill of profound pride