m.

But more than this awaited them. Their comrades were waiting for them
with happy smiles and proud cheers. A place in history among the
valiant deeds of brave and daring men also awaited them. They taught a
lesson in pluck and endurance that the world will not allow to be
forgotten.

To those who read this story of _The Lost Battalion_, Colonel
Whittlesey and Lieutenant McKeogh send the following messages:--

The most striking memory of one who returns from abroad is the memory
of the enlisted men, who bore the real hardship of the war and did
their work in a simple, cheerful way.

Charles W. Whittlesey.

America's greatest contribution to the World War was--the enlisted man.
His calm valor, his smiling self-sacrifice can never be told.

Arthur McKeogh
1st Lieut., Inf., U.S.A.

[Illustration: Messages from Colonel Whittlesey and Lieutenant McKeogh.]

UNITED STATES DAY

United States Day was celebrated in Paris on April 20, 1918.

On that day, exercises were held in the great hall of the Sorbonne; on
April 21, a reception was given the American ambassador, and a great
procession marched to the statue of Lafayette. The Stars and Stripes
flew from the Eiffel Tower and from the municipal buildings on both
days.

At the exercises in the Sorbonne on April 20, M. Millerand, president
of the French Maritime League, ranked Wilson with Washington and
Lincoln.

"Washington, Lincoln, Wilson--these are immortal types of
the presidency of a democracy--men who, conscious of their
responsibilities, assume the duty of guiding the people at whose head
they have the honor to be placed, thus realizing the necessary harmony
in human affairs between the principle of authority and the principle
of liberty. Yes, history will assign to President Wilson a place among
the great statesmen of all time, for he has been able to make clear the
reasons why honor condemned neutrality and commanded war in order to
assure to humanity the blessing of peace."

Following the speech, the American and French flags were held aloft,
touching each other. Then a French poet, Jean Richepin, recited with
great emotion and telling effect, a poem he had composed for the
occasion, entitled, "The Kiss of the Flags." Ambassador Sharp saluted
the great republic of France and her Allies.

In London, the American flag flew on April 20, 1918, where no flag
except the British flag had flown in all history, at the top of the
Victoria