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Background: President charles de Gaulle of France capped his triumph tour of America with a visit to New Orleans, April 28. Thousands lined the streets of this strongly french town, which passed into American control two days short of 150 years ago with the Louisiana Purchase.

Along the streets, where flashing signs turned night into day, cheers and shouts of "De Gaulle" filled the air. And President de Gaulle responded with benign smiles and waving.

The procession of cars ended at the St. louis Cathedral, where President de Gaulle knelt side by side with Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel during a brief service.

Afterwards a military parade in Jackson Square.

The following day the visiting French head of State was warded New Orleans City Council's Order of Merit. The medal was presented to him by mayor Lesseps, grandson of the man who built the Suez Canal, and attempted the Panama Canal.

Later, after placing a floral tribute to one of the french founders of New Orleans at the Jean Baptiste le Moyne Debienville statue, he ate at a formal banquet.