The American Volunteers
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.