19173 "The First Flag' 



first American flag to the French front. This silken 

 banner bore on its staff two silver plates engraved 

 with the following inscriptions: 



PRESENTED BY 

 THE AMERICAN LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA 



TO THE 



FIRST FRIENDS OF FRANCE UNIT 

 VOLUNTEERS OF STANFORD UNIVERSITY 



TO THE 

 AMERICAN AMBULANCE FIELD SERVICE 



IN FRANCE 

 FEBRUARY 4, 1917, A.D. 



* * * 



THIS FLAG BLESSED BY THE BISHOP OF CALIFORNIA 

 IS THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG TO BE CARRIED IN SERVICE 



AT THE FRENCH FRONT 



WITH THE OFFICIAL SANCTION OF THE AMERICAN 

 GOVERNMENT 



In New York, while taking part in a parade on in New 

 Fifth Avenue, young Kimber was attacked by about York 

 forty members of a rival unit, some of whom then 

 seized the banner and made off with it. Instantly he 

 commandeered a passing car and ran down the mis- 

 creants, whose attempt came near involving them 

 in the meshes of the law. On Sunday, May 13, the 

 flag rested in the beautiful chancel of Old Trinity 

 Church. Finally on June 4 at Trevary, with impres- 

 sive setting, it was duly presented by its gallant 

 custodian to Colonel Colon, the officer in charge. 



C745 3 



