Then the General and the soldiers saluted the large flag. It was an
impressive moment with the deep thunder of the guns just over the hill
reminding of more battle and more lives to be laid down.
The General then addressed the soldiers, and facing toward the West and
pointing he said:
"Out there in that direction is Washington and the President, and all the
people of the United States, who are looking to you to set the world free
from tyranny. Over there are the mothers who have bade you good-bye with
tears and sent you forth, and are waiting at home and praying for you,
trusting in you. Out there are the fathers and the sisters and the
sweethearts you have left behind, all depending on you to do your best for
the Right. Now," said he in a clear ringing voice, "turn and salute
America!" And they all turned and saluted toward the West, while the band
played softly "My Country 'Tis of Thee!"
It was a wonderful, beautiful, solemn sight, every man standing and
saluting while the flags fluttered softly on the breeze.
Behind the little French Catholic church in the village of Bonvilliers
there was quite a large field which had been turned over to the Americans
for a cemetery. The Military Major had caused an arch to be made over the
gateway inscribed with the words: "NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE AMERICAN
EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238