Pershing At The Tomb Of Lafayette

: Winning A Cause World War Stories

They knew they were fighting our war.

As the months grew to years

Their men and their women had watched

through their blood and their tears

For a sign that we knew, we who could not

have come to be free

Without France, long ago. And at last

from the threatening sea

The stars of our strength on the eyes

of their weariness rose;

And he sto d among them,

the sorrow strong hero we chose

To carry our flag to the tomb

of that Frenchman whose name

A man of our country could once more

pronounce without shame.

What crown of rich words would he set

for all time on this day?

The past and the future were listening

what he would say--

Only this, from the white-flaming heart

of a passion austere,

Only this--ah, but France understood!

Lafayette, we are here.



AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR.



[Illustration: Lafayette, We Are Here! The immortal tribute of

General John J. Pershing at the grave of the great Frenchman. Notice

the difference between the American and French salutes.]