Evening star., 1939-10-27
Several Events
Today 10 Mark
NavyDay
Yard Closed to Public
Roosevelt Letter
Stresses Peace Aim

declared that adequate defense of
sea frontiers 'is the most promising
way to preserve peace.
The President pointed out that "at
one Of the most tragic periods in
human history, the United States is
blessed in that we are at peace with
the world Despite its desire for
peace, this country lis compelled as
never before to maintain an ade-
quate and positive defense" the
President added.
Mr. Roosevelt said Navy Day
brought to mind his long and de-
llghtful association with the Navy"
and he wished again to express his
gratitude for the devotion to duty
and the loyalty of Navy personnel"
Navy Day greetings were ex-
changed between high officials of
the War and Navy Departments.
Secretary of War Woodring wrote
Acting Secretary Edison that the
Navy's magnificent contribution to
national defense is we'll recognized"
and Mr.. Edison replied that the
positive defense of the Nation is
the common trust of the Army and
the Navy Assistant Secretary of
War johnson wrote that the people
OF the United States may we'll take
pride IN the continued and increased
readiness of their Navy and in its
ability to perform the missions ex-
pected OF it in our combined scheme
Of national defense"
With the navies of European DOW
ers embroiled in war, unusual atten-
ton is focused this year on Ameri-
cas- swiftly expanding feet, and pro-
grams commemorative of the illus
trlous history of the American Navy
were being held in key cities of the
country. Special radio messages
blanketed the Nation.
Navy Yards Closed to Public.
The war in the old world was
brought close by the exclusion of
the public from navy yards and bat
tlecraft, which in the past have held
open house on this date Espionage
and sabotage were the twin dangers
that impelled the Navy to close its
plants and floating fortresses to visi-
tors. Nevertheless, elaborate Navy
Day programs elsewhere had been
planned.
In Washington the public was in
vited to naval demonstrations at the
Marine Barracks, beginning at 9:3O-'
am. and lasting most of the day,
The program called for a drill by
a platoon of bluejackets as the open
ing number, with music by the Navy
School Band. This was to be fol-
lowed by special drill featuring
the Spirit of 76' by the Marine
Corps Drum and Trumpet Corps.
Also on the morning program were
a demonstration by the Coast Guard
and dress parade by marines and
bluejackets, with 1t. Col Charles T.
Brooks commanding the battalion.
Naval aviation units next were to
put on show.
The afternoon program at the
barracks was announced as follows:
At 2 pm, concert by Navy |
School Band; 2:50, physical drill by
platoon of bluejackets; 800, special |
drill featuring Spirit of TO-; 3:35,
sham battle by barracks depart
ment: $50. Coast Guard demon
stration; 4:20, arrival of comman-
dant of Navy Yard, Rear Admiral
George Pettingill, honors to be rem
dered; 4:30, dress parade, reviewed |
by commandant.
From 8 am. until pm. an exhibit |
of Navy and marine trophies and |
weapons In. the band hall was open
to the public.
Observatory Open.
The Naval Observatory was open
from am. until pm. and from
to II pm. The public was admitted
during the day, but at night admis-
sion will be only by card Those
holding cards will be taken for views
through the telescopes during the
evening.
Guides were detailed to conduct
visitors throughout the day. For
convenience, the observatory had
been divided into nine stations, and |
guests were being conducted through |
these in small parties, with 20 min
utes allotted to each station. The
astronomical equipment, time serv-
Ice, library and other features were
explained.
A leading observance of Navy Day
was scheduled for 1915 pm at the
John Paul Jones Monument, under
the auspices of the Military Order
Of the World War and the National
Sojourners. The principal speakers
were to be Comdr. R. B. Carney,
U. S. NJ, whose subject was, The |
Navy-Our First Line of Defense"
and Maj. George F. Unmacht, ma
tional secretary of the Sojourners,
John Paul Jones-Father and Ex-
emplar of the American Navy"
The Navy Band was to play at
this ceremony, and Rear Admiral
William r. Furlong, chief of the !
Bureau Of Ordnance, was to preside.
Edison to Speak.
Another program at 2:3O pm. at |
the Commodore Barry Monument in |
Franklin Square was under the aus
pices of the Commodore John Barry |
Division, Ancient Order of Hiber-
mans, the ladies' auxiliary of the
Hibernians and the Navy League.
Patriotic exercises were to be held |
and wreaths presented.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Edi-
son will broadcast from Washington
a Navy Day message to the country
from 6:15 to $50 pm. The speech
will be carried over network of the
Columbia Broadcasting System and
rebroadcast locally over WJSV at
ILLS pm.
Admiral Harold R. Stark, chief of
naval operations, will broadcast by
radio-t telegraph message to radio
operators of the United States and
insular possessions The transmits
sion is scheduled from Washington
at pm. with call letters NAA, and
from San Francisco at 7:30 pm, on
call letters NPG. The American