Breckinridge Long

“ From that instant, history grows in America, and with a voice as near unanimous as history records, cried defiance at the greatest military power in the world. Righteous indignation, appreciating that not only the liberty of our own citizens was involved, but that the rights of humanity were jeopardized, impelled us to a task not more stupendous than is the realization we accomplished our set purpose in an incredibly short time to the bewilderment of a yet admiring world. ”

“ Yet there are those among us even who would detract from the splendor of our victory. There are those who attempt by innuendo indirect, and by unshamed criticism to destroy the reputation of their country. Shame on him who points at America the finger of scorn. The sons and daughters of America have pride in their accomplishments and will resent the utterances of those who do not tender her full glory for it. ”

“ Each one conscious of the united purpose of the whole nation, so that when the leash was loosed they set upon and overcame the greatest military autocracy the world had ever known, and put the stars and the stripes on the ramparts of the Rhine. Valiant men, sterling officers, loyal citizens at home, each and all participated and were directed to everlasting victory in thought and word and deed by Woodrow Wilson, Commander-in-Chief of the armies and of the navies of the United States. ”