THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS
Reading edition
MARIE VAN VORST
August, 1914-April, 1917 In the long months before the United States entered the war many Americans took service under the flag of France.
NEUTRAL! America, you cannot give To your sons' souls neutrality. Your powers Are sovereign, Mother, but past histories live In hearts as young as ours.
We who are free disdain oppression, lust And infamous raid. We have been pioneers For freedom and our code of honor must Dry and not startle tears.
We've read of Lafayette, who came to give His youth, with his companions and their powers, To help the Colonies—and heroes live In hearts as young as ours!
Neutral! We who go forth with sword and lance, A little band to swell the battle's flow, Go willingly, to pay again to France Some of the debt we owe.