Evening star., 1937-05-02
MAY DAY RITES
HONOR WAR DEAD
Drain Lauds National Unity
Under Arms-Cites Duty
of u. S. to Citizens.


The principal event was a service
honoring World War dead, ARRANGED
by the American Legion and affiliated
organizations at the District World
War Memorial In West Potomac Park
In the afternoon.
Gen. James A. Drain, past national
commander OF the Legion, now in the
educational division of the Social Sc
curity Board. was the main speaker
I'VE Americans are in agreement" +"
he said, that banishment OF war for
ever from the earth is an end continu-
ally to be sought until achieved. But
we believe In giving the devil his due
and war its need of merit. Frightful
as are the losses Of war, there are
some gains. Among its beneficent by
products Is the splendid self-sacrifice
Of men and women.
II doubt not that we have all won-
dered whether 1t might be possible TO
invoke this same spirit In peace. We're
that possible, the benefits would be
beyond measure. But we shall all
agree that peace-time patriotism in
wartime cadence Is too much to be
expected just yet. Still, we may in
dulge the hope OF its ultimate realiza-
ton, meanwhile doing what we can to
advance the day"
Retirement Held Necessary.
Relating social security to war, Gen
Drain said he felt 'in the case OF a
man willing and able to work who can
find no work TO do, there is just as
much a debt as II war had disabled
him" In support Of old age retirement
provisions he declared: "Obsolescence
of employees is no less an obligation
than the universally recognized pro-
vision OF prudent business men for a
fund TO retire worn-out machinery or
out-of-date buildings"
Frank B. Noyes, who as chairman
Of the 1881 Memorial Commission was
instrumental in establishing the Dis
trict memorial to the World War dead,
and Mrs. Noyes we're guests at the
program Mr.. Noyes was introduced
by Mrs Dorothy B. Harper and de-
livered a brief expression of satiSfac-
ton at being able to participate.
Child Health week. the observance
Of which began on May day this year,
was called to the attention. Of the
Legion audience by Mrs. Mollie E.
Averill OF Washington State, national
head of Des 8 Chapeaux ct 40 Femmes.
May day, she said. has become the
n nrito coruicoc fNy tho ura1
fare Of children and to continue until
the program embodied In the chill
drens bill Of rights has been carried
out"
Urges Adequate Defense.
District Legion Comdr. Horace w.
Lineburg pleaded for an adequate ma
tional defense, declaring many mis-
guided persons would have us discon-
tinue all measures of national de-
fense, but we of the American Legion
believe that peace can only be secured
and maintained through an adequate
system Of defense, which has been
the fundamental policy Of this coun-
try since its inception"
R. j. Chaillet, grande chef de gare
Of the District Voiture, Des 40 Hommes
ct Chevaux, delivered An indictment
Of communism in which he declared
its advocates do not tell you that it
throttles freedom Of speech, freedom
Of the press and freedom Of religion.
1--WE maintain" he said, these sub
versive groups are alien to America,
for We stand as a monday sun OF
clean and righteous government to
the nations of the world"
Mrs. Ellen Louise Warren, national
public relations chairman Of Des 8
Chapeaux ct 40 Femmes, presided and
introduced the speakers. Music was
furnished by the Mar ie Band.
Other speakers were Ferdinand G.
Fraser, national chairman of the
Americanism Commission Of the 40
and 8. on "Americanism" Col. Julius
I. Peyser, member Of the 1881 World
War Memorial Commission, on "Ap-
preciation'; Mrs. Mary K. Killeen,
department president, the Legion Aux
iliary, and Mrs Bess London Faine,
head Of the District Branch Of the
8 and 40
Patriotic organizations opened the
program with massing of colors. Rev.
Howard Snyder delivered the invoca-
ton. The James Reese Europe Juniors
Glee Club sang several selections. The
Sons of the Legion Drum and Bugle
Corps, the Legion Auxiliary Juniors
and the Juniors Guard of Honor
Joined poppy professional.
Fairgrounds Give Programs.
Special programs were held at 46
Fairgrounds under auspices OF the
Playground Department. These in
cluded field day events, athletic ef-
ficiency tests with presentation OF
awards, singing and dances for the
pre-school groups. folk dances and
costumed events, and at the Happy
Hollow Playground demonstration OF
| the Japanese game of battledore and
| shuttlecock.
The Sorority Council Of George
Washington University played host
to approximately 100 high school girls
from Washington, Baltimore and
nearby Maryland and Virginia. The
visitors spent virtually the entire day
on the campus, starting with tour
Of the university buildings at 10 I'm.
| and ending with late afternoon tea
IN Strong Hall.
The Junior School of Gunston Hall
presented scenes from Shakespeare 6
''As You Like It" in a festival yester-
day afternoon in the auditorium Of
| the school on Florida avenue.
Other May day events included a
fete and the Theater Groups play
"El Secreto," held by the Capital City
Forum at 1902 Fourteenth street last
night; a rally by the Girl Scouts OF
Northeast Washington on the campus
OF the National Training School and
a campfire program in the evening
and celebrations at Chevy Chase
School, 6410 Connecticut avenue and
at Almas Temple by the Filipino Cen
ter, Inc. In the latter celebration
| Miss Eunice Martin was crowned queen