The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-10-03
HIGHEST TRIBUTE
TO DEAD SOLDIERS
OF FRANCE Is PAID
Congressional Medal of Honor
Laid Upon the Tomb of I'm
known POiIu by Pershing
IMPRESSIVE EXPRESSION
FRANCO-AMERICAN UNITY
Given in the Name of the Presi-
dent and of the People of
the United States.
lay Ths AssoeIatea Pres.l


PARIS. Oct. 2.-The United statey 49,
day paid its highest tribute 70 the ,ssd
soldiers Of France when General John y
Pershing, in the presence Of an immense
throng, including President afillerand
and other high officials OF the republic.
iaid the congressional medal OF honor
upon the tomb OF an unknown poilu
under the Arch OF Triumph. The eere-
mony was the most impressive expires
sion Of Franco-Anerican unity since the
United States declared war on Germany
in April. 1917.
A military review. second In size only
TO the historic victory parade. followed
the ceremony. A picked battalion OF
american troops, representative OF an
units comprising the American forces on
the Rhine led the parade. which was re-
viewed by President AIIllerand. General
Pershing Ambassador Herricz and all
the marshals Of France. The presence OF
a large body of American troops in Paris
Tor the first time since 1919 caused an
outburst Of enthusiasm from the thou
hands Of Parisians who lined the avenue
Des Champs Elyses and the Place
D'Etoile, where the arch is located.
Before placing the decorations on the
unknown soldiers tomb. General stood
before it at salute for several minutes
Then in q voice shaking with emotion
he declared;
In the name OF the president and the
people Of the United States. as q token
Of our perpetual belief in the righteous
ness OF the cause for which you died. and
as a mark OF respect and admiration 10
you and your countkymen, I place this
congressional medaHof honor upon your
tomb
The American headquarters band from
ftrff.f . -
and The Star Spangled Banner"
General Pershing,s speech made a pro-
found impression upon the asemblage
and brought tears to many eyes. Re
ferring to the unknown as "Soldier Of
France, Dear Friend and Ny Comrade,H
the general said.
Il salute IN your noble life and IN your
tragic death you have become to the
world an immortal symbol of devotion
to the highest ideals Of mankind. Your
valor on many fields viii ever remain
an Inspiration to living mothers who
weep over your grave as they recall the
heroism Of their own brave sons.
Your allied comrades remember with
deep emotion how you cheered them as
you fell. They praise your gallant deeds
while they renew their vows or allegiance
TO the principles for which you fought
Dear friend. your battle is over. You
sleep quietly amid the noisy traffic Of
great city. For you, the victory IS
won. You gave your last drop Of your
LIES blood for liberty and in the glorious
sacrifice Of your youth was born the
hope OF those you left behind. In your
heart there is malice toward none, but
charity for all II is this spirit and this
alone which will establish confidence
among nations I'D
''You fought against the calamity on
war, but your work win not be completed
until the burdens which the preparations
1or war imposes are lifted from the
shoulders Of all peoples. You gave your
all for peace but your gift win be bar
ren unless a generous spirit OF unseIfish
cooperation arises to take the place Of
hatred. Unknown Soldier, to you OF
whom thousands Of mothers ask, Is II
my son?' TO your tomb. which Is for
France the altar Of the country. I bring
the love and affection Of the American
soldiers who fought beside you and the
valiant soldiers Of France"