Dear Mother 11th November 1918
After weeks in the trenches, combating the enemy at Somme, we finally arrived here last night and were on the street today when the armistice with Germany was signed. You cannot be told, or visualize the happiness of the people here. They applauded and cried and giggled and then started all over again.
Instantaneously a parade was underway and it has been going on ever since. There were soldiers from every nation participating in the war – except Germany. All the national anthems of the allies were played at the parade and the crowds, which were large, cheered, but it was all very solemn.
The streets are crowded and all traffic is held up. This is a moment that will never be replicated. Not even a motion picture of the masses can capture the expression or the sound of joy that the people are creating.
Today, Paris is the center of the world. There is nowhere I would be rather than where I am today, Ma. Home with you and the rest of the family would be pleasant, and I will head back home soon, I promise, but Paris and France is free after four years and 3 months of conflict. The souls of these French people have solely bursted with delight, and it is spreading. Everyone feels united.
It is difficult to purchase a flag in Paris currently. It appears that everyone has one and the old streets are one compact mass of colors with flags from all the allied nations. Paris, that majestic old city, that has been shadowy for so long, is now shining again. An American band has come together outside, and they are playing our national anthem.
It is magnificent that the war is over. I can imagine the entire world is exultant. But nowhere on earth is there a celebration as here in Paris. I only hope and pray that the soldiers who died in the war are looking down upon the world today. It was a grand thing to breathe your last breath for. The world has to dedicate this moment of real joy to the brave men who are not here to help.
We are saluted as victors.
I cannot write any longer.
With love – Lloyd