Beschreibung:

Printed flag on cotton. Flag size: 9.5” x 14.5” Ink inscription: "The Great Victory Parade “General Pershing” The First Division AEF Sept. 17, 1919 Washington DC." Ca 1919. In the months following the end of World War I, parades were held in every city throughout America to honor our servicemen returning from Europe and to celebrate their victory and the return of world peace. On September 17, 1919, a National Victory Day Parade was held in Washington, DC with General John J. Pershing riding on horseback leading the First Division down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House. Born in Missouri in 1860, Pershing graduated from West Point where he was commended for his high leadership skills and superb ability. Nicknamed “Black Jack,” he commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I and rose to the highest rank ever held in the United States Army- General of the Armies- equivalent only to the posthumous rank given to George Washington. After the war, Pershing became U.S. Army Chief of Staff, serving three years in that position before retiring from active duty. He died in Washington in July 1948 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Pershing was regarded as a mentor to a generation of Army generals who led US forces in Europe during World War II, including George Marshall Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley and George Patton. Provenance:J. Richard Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags Condition: Toning to flag. Inked inscription with some areas of bleeding. Professionally mounted using stitch on board.