Although the Armistice of World War I ended the fighting,
the peace treaty still needed to be negotiated and signed. President Woodrow
Wilson had earlier outlined his ideas in his Fourteen Points speech. Hoping to include as many of these ideas as
possible in the treaty, Wilson decided to represent the United States himself
instead of sending an envoy.
After an enthusiastic send-off similar to this Columbus Day
parade in New York, he boarded the George Washington at the docks in
Hoboken, New Jersey on December 4.
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| Wilson in Columbus Day parade |
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| Wilson in Columbus Day parade |
After landing in Brest, France on December 13, he was
greeted by throngs of cheering people. He then traveled to England.
An account of that time by Corvallis resident Don Beery, a corporal
in the 162nd Infantry, is included in the Benton County Historical
Museum's archives. Beery wrote:
“December 28- I am on guard duty at Buckingham Palace,
London, for President Wilson during his visit with the King of England. This was an historical event. It was the first time a President of the
United States had visited a foreign country while in office. We felt highly honored to be chosen for this
occasion.”
December 28 was also President Wilson's 66th
birthday. Imagine celebrating your birthday in Buckingham Palace with the King
of England!
By
Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath,
Oregon
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