I rarely say anything political on this blog, but I was saddened that the American President would fly all the way to Paris and then not go to Belleau Wood. These were his people – his Marines – who suffered and died and stopped the Germans cold in 1918.
I am grateful that General Kelly and Secretary Pompeo made the effort to honor them.
Perhaps it’s better to recall the comments of Charles F. Stanton at the tomb of Lafayette in 1917:
America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here.
Lest we forget – the rest of the world still needs you, America.
