‘The work has increased and the road is taking on a new life. Batteries of guns are moving up, and long convoys of ammunition trucks pass continuously. So no one in the Section was willing to take advantage of the Fourth-of-July leave, but in appreciation the General gave us an Independence Day Fête, with a band, champagne, etc., and we had as guests men from the neighboring ambulance sections. We put two big tents end to end, with flaps up and the American and French flags flying from the pole. The fellows worked like beavers rooting up red poppies, blue cornflowers, and white lilies, which we tied to the tent-poles, also adorned with bunches of cherries. Besides about fifty Americans, various chaplains and military doctors were also present, while the General Staff sent one of its captains. So it was a very good party, with the “Marseillaise,” “Star-Spangled Banner,” and decent weather thrown in. The Boches, I should add, supplied the fireworks, but did not get anything out of it in return.’
July 1917, Rarécourt, France – American ambulance driver’s diary - History of the American Field Service in France - Photo: July 1917 American ambulance/truck drivers parade at a Franco-American celebration. 1418 Images.
