ll its productive
activities more complete, more thorough in method and effective in
results, more spirited and unanimous in purpose and effort than any
other great belligerent had ever been able to effect.

We profited greatly by the experience of the nations which had already
been engaged for nearly three years in the exigent and exacting
business, their every resource and every executive proficiency taxed to
the utmost. We were the pupils, but we learned quickly and acted with
a promptness and a readiness of cooeperation that justify our great
pride that we were able to serve the world with unparalleled energy and
quick accomplishment.

But it is not the physical scale and executive efficiency of
preparation, supply, equipment and dispatch that I would dwell upon,
but the mettle and quality of the officers and men we sent over and of
the sailors who kept the seas, and the spirit of the nation that stood
behind them. No soldiers or sailors ever proved themselves more
quickly ready for the test of battle or acquitted themselves with more
splendid courage and achievement when put to the test. Those of us who
played some part in directing the great processes by which the war was
pushed irresistibly forward to the final triumph may now forget all
that and delight our thoughts with the story of what our men did.

Their officers understood the grim and exacting task they had
undertaken and performed with audacity, efficiency, and unhesitating
courage that touch the story of convoy and battle with imperishable
distinction at every turn, whether the enterprise were great or
small--from their chiefs, Pershing and Sims, down to the youngest
lieutenant; and their men were worthy of them--such men as hardly need
to be commanded, and go to their terrible adventure blithely and with
the quick intelligence of those who know just what it is they would
accomplish. I am proud to be the fellow countryman of men of such
stuff and valor. Those of us who stayed at home did our duty; the war
could not have been won or the gallant men who fought it given their
opportunity to win it otherwise; but for many a long day we shall think
ourselves "accurs'd we were not there, and hold our manhood cheap while
any speaks that fought," with these at St. Mihiel or Thierry. The
memory of those days of triumphant battle will go with these fortunate
men to their graves; and each will have his favorite memory. "Old men
forget; yet all shall be fo