Evening star., 1941-05-02
Randolph Calls
On Capital TO
Plan Defenses
World War Memorial
Speaker Cites Peril
To Unurmed City

I1UW ell uIldlIil6u dIlu ullUSltIlUeC
National Capital might be devastated
by a suicide squadron" of heavy
bombers from across the Atlantic
was described by Representative
Randolph, chairman of the House
District Committee, yesterday after
noon at May Day memorial for
the Districts World War dead.
The West Virginian called on
veterans and other public-Spirited
groups to awake civic consciousness
to the need for arms and definite
defense plans for Washington, where
he said, an enemy might deliver a
sudden, stunning blow in an effort
to cripple the fighting spirit of the
American people before they knew
they were in war.
Speaking at the base of the Dis
trict World War Memorial in Poto-
mac Park, Mr.. Randolph pointed out
that huge bombers are being de-
veloped for carrying great cargoes
Of high explosives for long distances
at swift speed and high attitudes.
Yet, he said, there are neither arms
nor plans to meet such a threat
from abroad.
Protective Program Vital.
Mr.. Randolph was the principal
speaker at the sixth annual COM
memorative exercises at the me-
mortal sponsored by the American
Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, Des 40
Hommes Et Chevaux, Des
Chapeaux Et 40 Femmes, Sons of the
American Legion, American Legion
Auxiliary Juniors, National Guard
of Honor and Girls Nation.
1T is absolutely necessary" Mr..
Randolph said, that we further
strengthen our forces on land and
sea and In the air. Such a protective
program is imperative, due to the
aggressive spirit which dominates
greedy and ambitious dictators who
threaten the peace and security of
the whole world.
"Our people abhor aggression and
war, but in this peace-loving coun-
try we must be alert to protect the
property, institutions and lives of
our citizens. We must drop all
complacency. We must not rely on
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as
barriers against possible attack.
I'm 1887, Maj. Gen. Frank M
Andrews, chief of the General Head
quarters Air Force, declared publicly
he feared this country would become
vulnerable to attack from the air
within five years. Warplanes are
being rapidly developed with such
long range and carrying capacity as
TO make them effective weapons
against this country in the event of
our participation in the present con-
fiict.
Capital Lacks Defense.
washington is absolutely lacking
m defense arms or plans. We are
literally hiding our heads in the
sand. Every thoughtful American
must sooner or later realize that a
100 per cent preparedness program
for the National Capital is absolute
ly necessary
CACISlOCS, az NLllClI -. Il.
Giegengack. public printer, presided,
began at pm. with a hour
concert of World War music by the
Marine Band, under direction of
Capt. William F. Stantelmann.
There followed an impressive mass
ing of colors ceremony before the
classic columns of the Memorial.
A background of trees and flower
ing shrubs coming into full spring
foliage added color to the scene.
The assembly then joined in
prayer and sang God Bless Amer
ica," led by Hilda Nelson and ac-
companied by the Marine Band.
A Poppy Professional" was staged
by daughters of Legionnaires in
bright uniforms carrying two poppy
chains which they deposited on a
white cross fixed before the
Memorial. This exercise was ac-
companied by Drum and Bugle
Corps of the Sons of the Legion.
Gold Star Mothers deposited floral
tributes at the base of the Memorial
inscribed with the names of 435
men and women residents of WASH
ington who lost their lives in the
World War. Mrs. Franklin P. Nash,
president of Gold Star Mothers, led
this exercise.
Messages on the significance of
the observance were delivered by
William H. Hargrave, department
commander of the auxiliary; C.
Francis Mccarthy, of the Forty
and Eight" Society, and Mrs. Cath
crime Crompton, of the Des 8
Chapeaux ct 40 Femmes.
The speakers stressed the signifi-
cance of the fact that the observance
fell on May l, or Child Health
Day." and described the child well
fare work of the various veterans
groups. Comdr. Hargrave declared
that the children of today must have
sound bodies, trained minds and a
full appreciation of our liberties to
be fit citizens of tomorrow" fully
capable of defending democratic in
stitutions.
Three trees set out near the
marble memorial were dedicated as
living memorials to department
commanders who died in 1910 by
Paul j. McGahan, past depart
ment commander. OF the three
men honored-Col. j. Miller Ken
yon, Col. Layson E. Adkins and DR..
3. c. MacNeil-Mr. McGahan de-
clared leach was held in the highest
esteem by his comrades and fellow
citizens-each, warrior and hu-
manitarian."
Maj. James Alexander Lyons paid
q personal tribute to Col. Kenyon.
Hailed as Fitting Symbol.
In accepting the trees in behalf
OF the National Capital Parks Serv-
ice, Edward Kelly declared that mo
more fitting symbol could have been
chosen to keep green the memory of
these useful men," He promised
the park service would be careful to
preserve the trees and encourage
their growth through the years.
The exercises closed with the
singing of THE Star Spangled Ban
ner" by Hilda Nelson, accompanied