The Cabildo where Lafayette lived on a visit.
Lafayette! We are here. LATER THE SAME DAY, GENERAL PERSHING WOULD ASK A STAFF OFFICER TO SPEAK AT LAFAYETTE'S TOMB
I regret I cannot speak to the good people of France in the beautiful language of their own fair country.
The fact cannot be forgotten that your nation was our friend when America was struggling for existence, when a handful of brave and patriotic people were determined to uphold the rights their Creator gave them -- that France in the person of Lafayette came to our aid in words and deed.
It would be ingratitude not to remember this and America defaults no
obligations.
Therefore it is with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great Republic, and here and now in the shadow of the illustrious dead we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to successful issue.
LAFAYETTE -- WE ARE HERE !
Captain Charles E. Stanton, GHQ
Speech manuscript
The Cabildo at the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA
