Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-22
Patriotic Societies Unite in
Observing Anniversary of
Washington'S Birth.
FLAG CEREMONY HELD
AT BASE OF MONUMENT
President Hoover and High Officials
Witness Colorful Parade at
Alexandra, Va.

George Washington, first in war and
flrst in peace, was Stin first in the
hearts OF his countrymen today as the
people of a grateful Nation joined in
observing the 198th anniversary q! his
birth.
Here in the National Capital, which
he founded and which bears his name,
four great patriotic societies of Araeri-
can Revolution afiliation united In
paying homage to the memory and
deeds of the first President at exercises
held this morning in Continental Me-
mortal Hall. This afternoon the Ptesi-
dent Of the United States and high Of
ficials of the Federal Government and
the State of Virginia are assembling to
do him honor in the historic city of
Alexandria, so closely linked with the
life of the Nations immortal hero.
The anniversary of Washington's
birth proclaimed a national holiday, a
scene was enacted at the base OF the
Washington Monument at o'clock
this morning which brought wildly to
mind the growth of the new Nation he
founded after seven years war for
independence. AS the first signal for
the city-wide observance, 48 flags, rep
resenting the 48 States of the Union,
in place of the Is f1edgling States that
Washington knew. were raised to the
top of poles surrounding the base of
the Monument. Maj. v. L. Peterson,
representing the Office of Public Buildings
and Public Parks of the National Capt.
tai, was in charge of the flag ceremony.
An hour later buglers from Fort WASH
ington sounded the call to colorS, with
Capt. Allen Buchanan, naval aide to
the President, representing Mr.. Hoover.
Hoover Works During Morning.
Preparatory to going to Alexandria
at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon for the
colorful military and civic parade In
honor of the celebration, President Hoo
yer busted himself at his desk this
morning attending to a mass Of mail
accumulated during his weeks vaca-
ton in Florida. He had no official call
ers. At the reviewing stand on the
historic corner OF washington and
Queen streets in the neighboring city
| across the Potomac, the President and
Mrs. Hoover were to be welcomed by
Gov. Pollard of Virginia and his at
tractive young daughter, Miss Sue Poll
lard. Secretary of War Hurley, with
80 officials and officers of the War De-
partment, were in the presidential par
ty. From Virginia came members Of
the Assembly to join in the ceremonies.
The President and his own personal
party arranged to motor to Alexandria
shortly after luncheon.
With clear skies and Springlike day,
the streets of that historic city were
early thronged by thousands from all
parts of the country, who had come to
Washingtons home town to do him
honor.
When the parade gets under way it
will stretch for two miles through the
flag-lined streets to the presidential re-
viewing stand, on North Washington
street, where it will be reviewed.
The governor arrived In Alexandria
shortly before noon and was met by
Mayor Smoot and President Harry d.
Kirk of the George Washington Birth
day Association, which is sponsoring
the parade. Escorted by the Richmond
Light Infantry Blues, the governor, his
beautiful daughter, Suzanne, and his
party of IS went to the mayors resi-
! dence. There they were his guests at
a luncheon at o'clock
The exercises at Continental Memo
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