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Foreign Affairs

cbabe

(6,921 posts)

2. Lafayette we are here July 4, 1917: most famous WW1 quote

Reply to 2naSalit (Original post)

Tue Jun 9, 2026, 09:00 PM

12 hrs ago

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

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2naSalit

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FRANCE REJECTS Trump's War Chief At D-Day Ceremony - House of El [View all] 2naSalit 17 hrs ago OP

Somebody needs a history class: Marquis de Lafayette: The Hero of Two Worlds cbabe 16 hrs ago #1

Lafayette we are here July 4, 1917: most famous WW1 quote cbabe 12 hrs ago #2