Page:Patriotic pieces from the Great War, Jones, 1918.djvu/164

160 "All honor to them," he continued. "Their families should be proud to learn of their deaths.

"We of France ask that the mortal remains of these young men be left with us forever.

"We will inscribe on their tombs:

"'Here Lie the First United States Soldiers to Fall on French Soil for Liberty and Justice.'

"Passersby will uncover their heads to their graves; men of heart visiting the battlefield will go out of their way to bring their tribute of respect and gratitude.

"Private Enright, Private Gresham, Private Hay—in the name of France I thank you. May God receive your souls. Farewell!"

A great volley of seventy-fives crashed the final volley of farewell through the leaden, rain-soaked air. Then stalwart American soldiers, tears trickling down their faces, lowered their comrades' remains and covered them over with the soil for which they fought and died.