“We” · Chapter
IV: Washington explained
Lindbergh returns to America aboard the cruiser Memphis, arriving in Washington, D.C.
What happens
Lindbergh returns to America aboard the cruiser Memphis, arriving in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 1927, to an unprecedented welcome. He is greeted by high officials, his mother, and massive crowds. The chapter details the official ceremonies, including a dinner with President Coolidge, a speech at the National Press Club, and the presentation of a special air mail stamp. Lindbergh's modesty and simplicity are highlighted as key to the public's emotional response.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Modesty
Lindbergh's plain demeanor and lack of pretension are contrasted with historical heroes like Caesar and Napoleon, emphasizing his unique appeal.
Individual Achievement and Collective Support
Lindbergh's flight is celebrated as a personal triumph, but the chapter also highlights the contributions of American industry, scientific research, and the public's emotional investment.
The American Dream and Immigrant Heritage
Lindbergh is portrayed as a 'plain citizen' and 'American boy,' embodying the ideals of clean living, modesty, and success that resonate with the American Dream.
International Friendship and Diplomacy
Lindbergh is described as a 'young Ambassador of Good Will' whose conduct in Europe dissipated misunderstandings and personified the real spirit of America.
Characters to notice
- Charles Lindbergh
Returns to America aboard the Memphis, greeted by massive crowds and officials in Washington. Attends President Coolidge's dinner and National Press Club event.
- Mrs. Evangeline Lindbergh
Lindbergh's mother, who meets him at the Navy Yard dock and accompanies him to a private reunion aboard the Memphis.
- Admiral Burrage
Vice Admiral Burrage returns on the Memphis, receives his customary salute, and escorts Mrs. Lindbergh down the gangplank.
- Charles Evans Hughes
Former Secretary of State, present among the officials greeting Lindbergh at the Navy Yard dock.
Key passages
“It is probable that when Lindbergh reached America he got the greatest welcome any man in history has ever received; certainly the greatest when judged by numbers; and by far the greatest in its freedom from that unkind emotion which in such cases usually springs from one people’s triumph over another.”
Lindbergh's welcome in America was likely the largest and most genuinely joyful in history, lacking the resentment that often accompanies national victories.
Highlights the unprecedented and positive nature of Lindbergh's reception.
“He was a plain citizen dressed in the garments of an everyday man. He looked thoroughly pleased, just a little surprised, and about as full of health and spirits as any normal man of his age should be.”
Lindbergh appeared as an ordinary, healthy, and happy young man, not as a triumphant hero.
Emphasizes Lindbergh's modesty and relatability.
“It has no titles to bestow—no medal it can add to those that have been given in recognition of your splendid achievement. There is one thing, however, it can do that will everywhere be regarded as most appropriate. It has issued a stamp designed for special use with the air mail which bears your name and a representation of the other member of that very limited partnership in which you made your now famous journey across seas.”
The Post Office cannot give Lindbergh a title or medal, but it honors him with a special air mail stamp featuring his name and the Spirit of St. Louis.
Describes the unique honor of the first stamp issued for a living person.