Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1920-01-16
FRENCH TOGIVE
DIPLOMAS TO KIN
OF u. S. SOLDIERS

In recognition of the patriotism,
devotion and high idealism Of the
American soldiers who gave their
lives in the world war, the French
government has arranged to present
to the next of kin of every man
who died in the service of his coun-
try a memorial diploma.
The distribution of these diplomas
will begin within a few days, not
only in Georgia, but throughout the
United States, the various recruiting
offices, cooperating with the Ameri-
can Legion, having charge of this
task.
The diploma is an example of the
best work of the French artists and
is designed with a view to express
ing in some meager degree, at least,
the sincere appreciation of the
French people for the heroic sacri-
fees made by the American soldiers
who fought for a principle and who
gave their lives in defense Of civili-
cation. 1t is engraved on the heav-
lest, most durable paper, almost the
texture of parchment, and is well
suited for framing.
Standing out IN bold relief is a
symbolical group typifying the spir-
it of the American armies which
helped France maintain her entity
in the great conflict. The principal
figure in the group symbolizes the
soul of the American troops. The
sword by it's side is not in the scab-
bard, but ready at any moment to
protect and defend the weak and
helpless, symboliZed in the group by
a mother holding her baby to her
breast, and to insure freedom and
justice to future generations, repre-
sented by the figure Of a kneeltng
boy, praying and thanking God for
deliverance. At the right of the cen
trail figure is that of a man, chained
and shackled, symbolizing the spirit
of evil and the victory over the
enemy. Also at the right, GROWING
the spirit of America, stands Glory,
who rejoices with the old war veter-
an standing to the left of the prin-
cipal figure, symbolizing the armies
which are always ready to fight for
the good of humanity.
Universal fame is symbo1ized by
the winged figure flying over the
group and trumpeting to the world
the great triumph in which the
United States participated The
American eagle, poised on the staff
of peace, watches zealouSly and
stands ready to swoop down in case
our enemies again endeavor to dis
turb the peace of the world. The
entire group is framed by a border
of oak and laurel leaves, which are
always awarded to the victors. At
a. -
France and America are draped and
joined together by a wreath, which
is the mark of gratitude and homage
that France pays to our sons who
gave their lives for liberty and JUS
tice. The lines engraved on the wall
behind the group are taken from one
of Victor Hugo's famous poems and
when translated read:
For those who devoutly died for
their country
1t is right that the people come and
pray at their tombs."
central position is an inscription in
French, signed by President Pom
care. Being translated, it reads:
ITO the memory Of ----, of the
United States of America, who died
for liberty during the great war. the
homage of France"
In the blank space in the inscrip-
ton will be written the name of the
individual soldier, to whose relatives
the memorial diploma is sent. The
army recruiting office in Atlanta,
Colonel, 3. NJ. Bailey commanding,
has received several hundred of
these diplomas and is cooperating
with the American Legion in distrib-
uting them to the next Of kin of the
men who died in the service Of their
country. 1t is expected that all the
diplomas will be distributed within
the next few days.