PERSHING AGREES TO BE GRAND MARSHAL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On the evening of December 27, 1920, E.B. McLean*, chairman of the Inaugural Committee, received a wire from General John J. Pershing informing him that the General "would be glad to accept the post of grand marshal for the parade and act as chairman of the committee on military affairs."
Upon learning of General Pershing's decision, members of the Inaugural Committee were in agreement that "this would be the greatest inaugural parade in history."
*Edward Beale McLean (1889-1941) was born in Washington, D.C. & became publisher of the Washington Post (1916-1933). EBM was owner of the Hope Diamond.
SOURCE
"General JJ Pershing Agrees To Lead Inaugural March," The Washington Herald, December 28, 1920, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
