“Others were speeding their preparations to make the trial, but it remained for an unknown youth to attempt the elements and win. It is the same story of valor and victory by a son of the people that shines through every page of American history.
“Twenty-five years ago there was born in Detroit, Michigan, a boy representing the best traditions of this country, of a stock known for its deeds of adventure and exploration.
“His father, moved with a desire for public service, was a member of Congress for several years. His mother, who dowered her son with her own modesty and charm, is with us today. Engaged in the vital profession of school-teaching, she has permitted neither money nor fame to interfere with her fidelity to her duties.
“Too young to have enlisted in the World War, her son became a student at one of the big State universities. His interest in aviation led him to an Army aviation school, and in 1925 he was graduated as an airplane pilot. In November, 1926, he had reached the rank of Captain in the Officers’ Reserve Corps.
© Wide World Photos
NEW YORK CITY—THE PARADE PASSING THROUGH CENTRAL PARK WHERE OVER 400,000 PEOPLE WERE GATHERED. A SOLID BANK OF HUMANITY FLANKED OUR PASSAGE
© Wide World Photos
NEW YORK CITY—PARADE IN CENTRAL PARK AS SEEN FROM A NEARBY SKYSCRAPER