Address by the Reverence C. Dumont

Colonel Foreman, Offices, and Men of the American Army:

It is said that history does not commence, it repeats itself. The ceremony which unites us today, once again confirms that truth.

One hundred forty-two years ago, France, the never-ceasing lover of Justice and Liberty, crossed the ocean and placed the force of her valiant sword in the balance to determine the destiny of her young sister -- the American Nation. France lavished without hesitation her gold and her blood to achieve the American independence. France always has gold and blood to offer for a noble cause, and behold, today this blood of martyrs of liberty has produced a wonderful seed of heroes. They speed over the ocean from their side to the rescue of bleeding France, lavishing their gold and their blood in a magnificent display of appreciation and love.

Highmindedly, and inspired with idealism and faith, you my Colonel, wished that on this holiday we should not forget those among these brave ones who already have shed their blood on the graves dug for them by shells. It was your wish to bow to them in reverence, and indeed these dead deserve the world's prayers. Let us be worth of that which they have done. They entered into Heaven before the end of the struggle; they have shown us the way; they have given themselves. Let us follow their example and give ourselves to the great cause of world liberty. Let us follow - even if it would be necessary to sacrifice our lives. Do not let us grieve over those who died the death of glory - they have not left us, they have preceeded us. Death is unavoidable, and also, alas the sight of death. Our life is a light exposed to the wind -- how fortunate when God exposes it to the wind of Glory.

The death for a great cause is the most precious crown of life - to die young - to die in full strength -- is there anything more beautiful? It is to die in life and liberty; it is to be buried alive in Heaven.

Let us therefore unite in memories, officers and men - the very young and old ones - the illustrious and the humble - who are all equal - those who have fallen on the field of battle, and the wounded who died the death of pain - those who have the honor of being buried alone, and those who lie in a grave of many and by the wayside.

Let us, in spirit, plant on this French soil an immense cross at the foot of which we will pray the Lord for Peace, for Eternal Glory for our dead, and for the Victory and honor of our two immortal countries.

Address by C. Dumont, Aumonier.
France, July 4th, 1918