Evening star., 1924-04-21
KEY BRIDGE TABLET
ACCEPTED BY WEEKS
War Secretary Speaks at dwelling
of Marker, Gift of Daughters
of 1912.

Speaking at ceremonies attending
bronze tablet on the Key Bridge to
Francis Scott Key, presented to the
nation by the United Daughters of
1872, Secretary of War Weeks ex-
pressed the gratitude of the country
at the gift and praised the spirit and
loyalty of the daughters in helping
TO forward patriotism to this and
coming generations.
The tablet. a memorial to the author
Of The Star Spangled Banner" con-
tanning the last stanza of the national
anthem, was accepted in behalf of
the government and the people of the
United States by the Secretary of
Of 1912. who met in Washington this
morning to open their annual conyen-
tion here, he said. in part:
Every governing people must
be ready to protect their government.
1t guarantees them certain rights
and liberties. If it should fall their
political ideals would be shattered by
aggrcSSors who assail it. 1t is their
safeguard: and they must see to its
security. So long as the flag of the
federal Union flies over this country.
just so long and no longer will our
constitutional privileges be secure.
SO long as that flag is Yenerated as
the symbol OF our united. siren 9Th,
just 50 long and no longer Will there
he loyal citizens ready to protect il
and their country. So long as We
keep alive in the minds of our people
the fundamental fact in international
relations-that only protecting z
nations can be governing ma
tions-just SO long and no longer
can the country be assured OF
protection.
United states Not Aggressive.
I'VE are not an aggressive nation.
We seek friendships overseas, not
cnmities. We are not militaristic
in spirit. Our army is composed OF
citizen soldiers rendering volunteer
service. We have fighting blood IN
our veins; but we do not go to war
lightly, or wish to use our military
strength and resources for any other
purpose than simply TO defend our
country. We prefer peace to war. but
war sometimes cannot be avoided
Fighting is sometimes necessary. We
had to fight to establish our inde-
pendence. We have had to fight since
those days, to maintain our political
rights and our personal liberties. The
day may come when war may again
be necessary, and for that day We
must be prepared
Our citizens must understand that
one of the first duties of citizen
toward the democracy which protects
him is the duty of contributing TO
the support and defense of that de-
mocracy. We must keep this fact in
keeping it in the public mind is by
placing the stirring. patriotic, loyal
words Of the last verse of the national
anthem in enduring bronze where all
paSSersby may read and be contlnu-
ally reminded of circumstances that
them that the final security of the
flag and of our government is the
nation in arms.
For these reasons, | am very glad
TO see this tablet placed at this spot:
| am glad to accept it in the name of
the War Department We would not
consider the structure complete and
ready to. turn over to the District
Commissioners in June if the Key
bridge did not bear the words of the
song which made the name of Key
enduring. The United States Daugh-
terS of 1912 are to be congratulated
for their initiative in placing this
tablet hero
Praises Spirit Of Gift.
Representative Abernethy, North
Carolina, another of the speakers at
the ceremonies also spoke in praise
of the fine principles and spirit be-
hind this gift to the nation.
Previous to the unveiling exercises
the Daughters of 1872 held the open
ing meeting of their convention at
the New Willard Hotel, the first ses-
sion being taken up with presenta-
tion of credentials, committee meet
ings and other business matters. This
afternoon the society will be greeted
by President Coolidge at n reception
to be held at the White House at 3
o clock. This evening the members
will hold d dinner at the New Will
lard. followed by a reception to be
given by the Washington chapter.