The quote is a famous one!

On July 4, 1917, American troops assembled at Lafayette’s grave as a show of gratitude and to further demonstrate their desire to come to France’s aid during WWI. Charles E. Stanton uttered the tear-jerking phrase, although many wrongly attribute it to General Pershing. In full, it was reported that he said:

America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here.

The quote became a sort of rallying cry for U.S. troops stationed in Europe during the war.

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