Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1921-10-04
A SOLDIER OF FRANCE
Gen. Pershing Represents America in
Payinu Tribute.

The United States paid its highest
tribute to the dead soldiers of France
when Gen. John J. Pershing, in the
presence of an immense thronE, in
cludirg President Millcrand and other
high officials of the republic, laid the
congressional medal of honor upon the
tomb of tie unknown poilu under the
Arc de Triomphe, in Paris SundaT.
The ceremony was the most impress
sive expression of Franco American
unity since the United States declared
was on Germany in April. 1917.
\ military review, second in size
orlv TO the historic victory parade,
followed the ceremony. A. picked bat
TALON of American troops expressive
CT all united forces, comprising the
American forces on the Rhine, led the
parade, which was reviewed by Pres
ident MilleraEd. General Pershing.
Ambassador Herrick and all the
marshals of France. The presence OF
a 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 TIC Avenue dcs Champs Elyse"s
and the Place de Etoile, where the
arch is located.
Before placing the decoration on the
unknown soldiers tomb, General
Pershing stood before it at salute for
several minutes. Then in voice
shaking with emotion, he declared:
"In the name of the president and
of the people of the United States rs
Il token of our perpetual belief in the
righteousness of the cause for which
You died. and as mark of respect
and admiration to you and to your
countlymcn. piac" this congressional
medal of honor upon your tomb
The American headquarters band
from Coblcnz then played the Mar
scillaise" and THE Star Spangled
Banner"
General PershinG's speech made "A
profound impression upon the assem-
Llagc and brought tears to many eyes.
referring to the unknown as soldier
of France. dear friend and my COM
rade." the general said:
"I salute you. In your noble LIE
and in your tragic death you have
become TO the world an immortal
symbol of devotion 10 the highest
ideals Of mankind. Your Halor on
many fields will ever remain an in
Spiration to living mothers who weep
over your grave aS they recall the
lCHOlSln OF lDtll OWL DIdNt SbllS'
Your allied comrades remember
with deep emotion how YOU checred
them as you fell. They praise yo,E
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 your lifeS
blood for liberty and in the glorious
sacrifice of your youth was born IN"
hope Of troSc 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
confidence among nations.
"You fought against the calamity
Of war but your work will not be
completed uEtil the burdens which thc
preparations for war imposes are lift
ed from the shoulders OF all peoples.
You gave your all for peace but your
Gift will be barren unless generous
srtrit of unselfSh cooperation arises
To take the place Of hatred. Unknown
soldier. To YOU of whom thousands OF
mothers ask Is it my son" TO your
tomb. which is for France the altar
Of the country. | bring the love and
affection of the American soldiers who
fought beside YOU and the valiant SOL
dicrs Of France"