An Impressive Ceremony

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1921, Page 2

An Impressive Ceremony

UNKNOWN WARRIOR CEREMONY AUSTRALIAN AND X.2. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Oct. 15. General Perslfiug has arrived in London from. Paris, being accompanied by 450 American soldiers, who were brought from the Rhine area, where they occupy part of Germany. They will participate in to-morrow’s ceremony of placing a congressional medal on the tomb of the unknown warrior. AMERICA’S GREAT TRIBUTE. TO THE VALIANT DEAD. (Received This Day at 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 1.7. The streets in the vicinity of Westminster Abbey weie densely crowded to-day, when General Pershing placed a Congressional medal on the grave or Britain’s Unknown Warrior in the Abbey. Detachments of Guards lined Whitehall, and a fine body of American troops with naval men from the American cruiser Olympic, participated in the pageant. The Duke of Connaught represented the King, and Mr Lloyd George, Worthington Evans, Lo’d Lee, Captain Guest, accompanied General Pershing to the Abbey. The American Ambassador said the ceremony had a twofold significance. It comprised the highest military tribute, and was a message of fraternity direct from the American people to the people of the British Empire. "There were two soldiers, one British and the other American. They fought under different flags, hut upon the same vast battlefield. What could he more fitting than that this soldier of the Great Republic should place this rare precious

token or appreciation and affection of a hundred millions of kinsmen, upon the tomb of bis comrade soldier of the mighty Empire. I therefore call upon the General of the Armies of the United States to bestow the medal of honour upon this typical British soll dier.” General lVrsliitig after standing at the salute a few seconds said-—“ Distinguished men and women are enshrined here, who through centuries gave their services and lives to make the glorious record, but there is none whose devotion inspires our admiration more than this Unknown AAarrior. He will always remain a symbol of the tremendous sacrifice made by bis people in the world’s greatest conflict. The hearts of the American people join in the tribute to the English speaking people round this sepulchre.. Let us maintain towards all people that Christian spirit which underlies the character of both nations. I place upon his tomb the medal of Honour, as a. slight token of our gratitude and affection.” .Mr Lloyd George expressed profound gratitude to the President, Congress and the American people for the striking homage shown to the valiant dead, who gave their lives for freedom in all lands” and the cause for which America helped to secure a victory. “The homage paid to-day,” said the Premier, "will he a reminder to this and all generations to come, that the fundamental aim of these two democracies is the same and a pledge to the valiant dead that these two mighty peoples, who were comrades in the great war, have resolved to he comrades to guarantee a great peace.” The ceremony, which was most impressive, concluded with the singing of "Battle Hvnui of the Republic," and the respective National Anthems, and the sounding of tile “I.ast Post."