Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1921-10-06
PERSHINC HONORS.
FRENCH HERO DEAD.
Lays Congressional Medal Upon
Tomb Of Unknown POliu.
BRINGS CROWD TO TEARS
Sacrifice in Vain, General Says, Unless
Nations of World Agree on Dlsarma-

ment.
Paris. The United States paid
its high tribute to the dead sol
diers of France when General John j.
Pershing, IN the presence of an im-
mense throng, Including President Mil
lerand aud other high officials of the
republic, laid the congressional medal
of honor upon the tomb of the un-
known poilu under the Arch OF Tri-
umph. The ceremony was the most lm-
pressive expression of Franco-Ameri-
can unity since the United States de-
elared war on Germany in April, 1917.
A military review second In size only
to the historic Victory parade, follow
ed the ceremony. A picked battalion
of American troops, representative of
all units comprising the American
forces on the Rhine, led the march,
which was reviewed by President Mill
lerand, General Pereshing, Ambassa-
dor Herrick and all the marshals of
France.
The presence Of large body of
American troops In Paris for the first
time since 1919, caused an outburst of
enthusiasm from the thousands of
Parisians who lined the Avenue des
Champs Elyseees and the Place D'Eto-
file, where the arch Is located.
Before placing the decoration on the
unknown soldiers tomb, General Per-
shing stood before 1t at salute for sew
eral minutes. Then, In voice shak-
ing with emotion, he said:
"In the name of the president and Of
the people of the United States, as
token Of our perpetual belief In the
righteousness OF the cause for which
you died and as a mark of respect and
admiration to you and to your coun-
trymen, place this congressional med
al OF honor upon your tomb"
The Ameri an headquarters band
from Coblenz then played the "Marseil.
lafse" and the "Star Spangied Banner"
General Pershing's speech made pro-
found impression upon the assemblage
and brought tears to many eyes. Re-
ferrtng to the unknown as soldier Of
France. dear friend and my comrade,"
the general said:
II sak1te, In your noble life and In
your tragic death, you who have be-
come to the world an immortal symbol
OF devotion to the highest ideals Of
mankind Your vabor on many fields
Will ever remain an Inspiration to liv-
ing mothers who weep over your grave
as chey recall the heroism Of their own
brave sons.
"YoHr allied comrades remember
with deep emotion how you cheered
them as you fell They praise your
gallant deeds while they renew their
vows of 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 lfe's
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. 1t Is this spirit and
this alone which will establish conf
dence among nations.
'You fought against the calamity of
war, but your work will not be com.
pleted until the burdens which the pre-.
paration for war imposes are lifted
from the shoulders of all peoples. You
gave your all for peace, but your gift
will be barren unless a generous spirit
Of unselfish cooperation arises to take
the place of hatred
Unknown soldier to you of whom
thousands Of mothers ask is it my
SOM to your tomb, which is for France
the altar of the country, l bring the
love and affection Of the American sol.
diers who fought beside you and the
valiant soldiers of France"