“Can he kiss?” That question echoed through the bustling streets of New York City in September 1919. The General Pershing Memorial stands here a silent testament to that extraordinary homecoming.
The General Pershing Memorial commemorates the triumphant return of General John J Pershing after World War I. His arrival was a moment of immense national pride. It marked the end of America’s participation in the Great War.
Millions of New Yorkers thronged the streets. They eagerly awaited their hero. General Pershing’s ship the SS Leviathan had just docked. He was greeted with an outpouring of affection. His car was escorted by motorcycle policemen and mounted officers. A fireman’s band played. People lined the streets windows and rooftops. They showered him with confetti. He even stood up in the car to acknowledge the ecstatic crowd. He rode standing all the way to City Hall.
This wasn’t just any welcome home. It was a spectacle. The city had erected a temporary Victory Arch near Madison Square. It was an ostentatious structure of wood and plaster. The arch symbolized the city’s joy at peace and the return of its soldiers. Pershing’s motorcade passed beneath it. This was a visual highlight of the celebrations recorded in the 1919 film footage. He was feted for days. He even greeted 50000 people at Sheep Meadow in Central Park. 30000 of them were schoolchildren. Some waited three hours for a glimpse of the general.
An interesting side note involves a story about General Pershing kissing a woman named Kitty Dalton. She had given him roses. The incident fuelled much gossip and speculation. The General Pershing Memorial however remains silent on this matter. Another poignant fact: General Pershing’s ten-year-old son Warren delivered news of his promotion to General of the Armies. This happened just days before the general’s arrival. It was the highest rank ever achieved by an American military officer.
The General Pershing Memorial reminds us not just of a grand parade but a complex figure. He was a respected military leader. He navigated the politics of the Allied forces. He also experienced personal tragedies. His homecoming and the fervor of the welcome it received remain etched in New York’s history. The memorial stands as a tribute to his accomplishments and his significant role in shaping American military history. He deserved this extraordinary reception. The General Pershing Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of that historic day.