Expat Yank: How Not to Forget

Robert Tumminello looks back at American soldiers from previous wars - and the monuments and memorials to them around the world. And then he wonders about today.

In his post, he includes an excerpt from this book by John S.D. Eisenhower:


Yanks: The Epic Story of the American Army in World War I

From Robert's excerpt, I'd like to share this part:

...The next day the three Americans were buried in the small town of Bathelemont, just behind the lines where they had fallen. General Bordeaux himself conducted the service with some solemn remarks:

The death of this humble Corporal and these Privates appeals to us with unwonted grandeur. We will, therefore, ask that the mortal remains of these young men be left with us forever. We will inscribe on their tombs, "here lie the first soldiers of the United States to fall on the fields of France for justice and liberty." The passerby will stop and uncover his head. The travelers of France, of the Allied countries, of America, and the men of heart, who will come to visit our battlefields of Lorraine, will go out of their way to come here to bring these graves the tribute of their respect and gratitude. Corporal Gresham, Private Enright, and Private Hay, in the name of France I thank you. God receive your souls.