Evening star., 1920-06-01
CAPITAL HON0RS
FALLEN SOLDIERS
Gen. Pershing Speaks at
ArIington-Exercises Held
at Cemeteries.

Personal ambition or political ex-
pediency should not be allowed to
swerve the American people from full
filing obligations to less fortunate
peoples who confidently look to us for
help" Gen. John J. Pershing told the
great assemblage which gathered in
the amphitheater at Arlington ma
tional cemetery yesterday to celebrate
Memorial day.
ITO the memory Of our beloved
dead" he said, I'VE owe q duty to
complete the task they sanctified. The
white crosses in France. standing as
purpose against militarism and op-
preston. eloQuently cry out to US.
Are We as a people to live up to
our obligations? Must personal am
bition and political expediency swerve
US from the true course?
Appeal Must Not he in Vain.
'"rhe appeal that rings in our hearts
must not be in vain. Rather let us
go forward courageously and with
unselhsh devotion to the wellbeing of
awaken the fine spirit which made
possible our war achievement. Do
ing our full duty as patriotic citizens
may we meet our obligations and give
encouragement and comfort to less
fortunate peoples who confidently
look to us for help:
bear fruit to justify the sacrifice Of
those who died.
Calls Preparation Iaaaequate.
The general also pleaded for adequlte
preparedness. In this solemn proe-
ence," he said. ''and on this day, my
c0untrymen. pray you to take such
reasonable measures in times Of peace
that never again shall it fall to the lot
Of a commander to suffer the anguish Of
soul that comes when Of necessity our
gallant young manhood must unjustly
bear the burden Of our thoughtlessness
and be sent to battle without adequate
preparation"
A tribute to the allied dead also was
paid by the American commander, Ito
the allied thousands who during four
years Of bitter struggle gloriously fell in
defense Of their homes and hrestdes and
who lie yonder across the seas asleep IN
quiet places beside our sons-a mighty
host united In death as they were In
life"
Celebration of the day took in all the
cemeteries about the city where lie
many who have held noted places IN
American life. For the dead of the
Navy and the Lusitania special services
tions on the central span Of the Aque-
duct bridge.
Services for Maine Dead.
Special services also commemorated
the dead Of the battleship Maine and
two noted explorers. Rear Admiral
Charles Wilkes, discoverer of the ant
arctic continent. and Rear Admiral
Robert E. Peary, discoverer of the
north pole. were paid honors by the
living. A monument erected in
Arlington cemetary to Admiral Wilkes
was unveiled with fitting ceremony.
while the Explorers Club inaugul ated
a yearly custom in placing a wreath
on the grave thSre Of Admiral Peary.
Wounded Decorate Graves.
Even the wounded and manned SOL
diers at Walter Reed Hospital par
ticipated in the days remembrances.
taking part in decorating the graves
Of the handful of dead who sleep at
battle-ground cemetery. where the tide
of the war between the states swept
closest to Washington.
A few British dead. some OF whom
died while serving here during the
war. also sleep at Arlington and they
were not forgotten. Lady Geddes.
wife of Sir Auckland Geddes. British
ambassador. placed wreathes on the
graves