Life — September 6, 1917 — page 25: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two historical illustrations. The main image depicts a massive military parade or gathering, labeled "1917 - RETURNING A LUNCHEON CALL" at the bottom. The scene shows organized military formations, crowds, and American flags in what appears to be a European city street. The inset illustration in the upper right, labeled "1781 WASHINGTON AND LAFAYETTE," depicts two uniformed historical figures. The satire appears to compare America's 1917 military involvement (likely America's entry into World War I) with the Revolutionary War alliance between Washington and Lafayette. The "luncheon call" reference likely satirizes formal diplomatic military exchanges, suggesting America is reciprocating earlier French military support by joining the war effort in France.