On July 4, 1917, General John J. Pershing marched American dough-boys into Paris in the first public display of American troops as the United States officially entered WWI. The American troops continued their march through Paris until they reached the tomb of 
Marquise de Lafayette.
As the Parisians looked on, Colonel Charles Stanton stopped at Lafayette's tomb and declared, "Lafayette, we are here." General Pershing announced that the Americans were there to return the favor. The independence of America has aided many in their own independence. God bless this great country, and happy Independence Day!
General Pershing also brought a layer of American soil which he placed on Lafayette's grave. At the completion, he said, "Now Lafayette is buried under American soil."
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