Repatriations of the Dead

At the end of WWI America was sending hundreds of causalities from Europe to the United States. Many of the army officers worried about the massive expenses this was taking and logistical difficulties. Many thought that it wasn't a good idea for the bodies to be sent home because once families would see their dead loved ones they would be shocked and realize how brutal the war actually was. Weeks after the war Major General Frank Mcintyre prepared a news release saying the dead war men would be better left in Europe. I strongly disagree with the fact they want to leave all of the dead American bodies in Europe. I believe that since they sacrificed their lives in the war the least the government can do is send them back to the United States where they can be brought to their loved ones. Bringing the dead soldiers home to their families also allows the families to recognize their soldiers life and helps their grief. Especially one mother Mrs. L. Mantel who simply just wanted her boys body back home. " He was my only son" Mantel said "I just want him to rest on his own soil poor boy." Another mother said "You took my son from me and sent him to war…My son sacrificed his life to America's call, and now you must as a duty of yours bring my son back to me." I feel that no matter the expenses or economies problems all causalities should be brought home to America. It is a way to show respect and honor the soldiers who risked their lives in this awful war. Also families should have the chance to have a funeral for the ones they have lost. Unless a family does not want there solider sent home every other one should be. More than 20,000 men stayed in Europe and lie their today in maintained military cemeteries.

The final outcome of this situation occurred on October 29, 1919 when the War Department of the United States announced that all dead servicemen could upon request be returned from Europe to any relative who requested it. The United States government would bear the expense for transport and for burial in on of the National Cemeteries. The families also had the option of burying their loved one in a private graveyard. Congress approved $5 million dollars for these repatriation expenses.

In the end most American families requested that their loved ones be returned. Over 46,000 dead American soldiers returned home. This repatriation movement began in November of 1920 and continued until July 1922 when the last American killed in World War 1 was put to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

As I stated before many brave soldier's families decided to let their loved ones remain in Europe. But this was their own personal choice.

My argument is that it should be the fallen soldier's family choice of whether or not to have their son or daughter return. And it should be the responsibility of the United States government to handle the expense of the return.

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