Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-11-27
Washington Resume,
Wartime Schedules
After Day Of Thanks
Americans Under Arms
Hold Places Of Honor
In Observunces

Washington and the Nation today
resumed their home front tasks,
grateful that the war did not wholly
disrupt the traditional Thanksgiv-
ing Day observance.
Returning to work was not the
usual peacetime struggle here, in
asmuch as most Government en-
ployes worked yesterday, day
otherwise highlighted by religious
services and entertainment of men
wearing their countrys fighting uni
form.
Unique Thanksgiving.
1t was Thanksgiving unique in
Washington annals. In addition to
the annual American mass at
St Patrick's Catholic Church, there
was the historic service of song and
prayer held at the White House, and
prayers offered in many churches
and private homes for the welfare of
American servicemen. The Chief
Executive and his wife, like other
parents keenly felt the dislocations
Of war. since their four sons are do
ing military duty in scattered Sec
tons of the world.
The spirit of giving thanks for
our blessings, amid global war, was
prevalent in humble homes as well
as in the White House. 1t was the
most thoughtful Thanksgiving Day
America had known since 1917. Men
fighting for freedom were heartened
when stirring hymns such as On
ward Christian Soldiers" Faith of
Our Fathers" and the Battle Hymn
of the Republic" were broadcast
from the White House, setting an
example for the private citizen.
High ecclesiastical dignitarieS in
voked Divine blessing upon
Americas soldiers and sailors, and
recent Allied victories heartened a
people who see greater individual
sacrifices ahead.
History was written on the other
side of the Atlantic, too. Not only
was Westminster Abbey turned over
to Americans for the first time in
900 years, but the wounded and sick
of both Britain and America re-
cuperating in British hospitals, re-
Ceived supplies of turkey furnished
by the American Army.
City Goes About.
Washington went about for Serv-
!cemen, the 10 per cent of camps
nearby given leave for the holiday.
In USO clubs, in private homes and
small gatherings, the soldier and
sailor represented the symbol of
strength and national unity to
whom a grateful city poured out its
hospitality.
From the North, South and West
trains, buses and planes last night
were bringing Washington residents
back to the capital city, ready for
of work today. While
the holiday traffic failed to equal
that of peacetime Thanksgiving OBJ
servances, and automobile travel
was sharply reduced because of
gasoline and rubber restrictions.
officials reported a
volume of business approximately
Vic usual Wtth-tliu lSIl.
Prisoners in the Districts penal
institutions were fed turkey, the bill
being paid out of canteen operations.
As A harbinger Of improved eco
nonic conditions, with work avail
able for those willing or able to
work, a drastic reduction in the
number of doWn-and-outers fed at
the Volunteers of America mission
was reported. Where 1899 men and
women crowded into the mission last
year for a turkey meal, not more
than 100 put in an appearance yes
terday. In Municipal Court a merci-
full Judge gave freedom to so DRINKS
and admonished them to mend their
Tavs and help their country win
clobal war. Here again evidence was
furnished that yesterday was no
Thanksgiving in this city.
Catholics Entertain.
Gala entertainment was furnished
at the National Catholic Community
Service USO Club, with lonely Gov
eminent girls sharing the holiday
Eayety with servicemen. Serving on
the Entertainment and Decoration
Committee were June Goddard,
Betty Rausch, Francis Dannenhauer,
John Hughes, Lou Zelenke, Jack
OoWney, Treva Hoke, William Ridge
way. Martha Jane, Rosemary Nc
Nonough, Henry Rosenthal, Bernard
Gerry Norma De Honey and Betty
Jordan.
For the Rev. Charles M. Wright,
Methodist minister and Mrs Wright
the day had unusual significance.
Not only did they celebrate their
golden wedding anniversary, but the
Rev. Mr.. Wright also baptized
their grandniece. Barbara Jeanette
Matthias of Baltimore, in a ceremony
held at Lincoln Road Methodist
Church, where the Rev. Mr.. Wright
formerly was assistant pastor. Now
pastor of the Tuxedo Methodist
Church in Cheverly, Md, he previ-
ouSly served pulpits at Epworth
Methodist, Baltimore; Central
Church, Bethesda North Point, Md,
and Sterling and Remington, Va.
1t remained for the Marines to
give a new adaptation to a popular
war song. The days slogan for the
LeatherneCks at Paris Island, S. c.,
was Praise the Lord and Pass the
Sea Gull" as each Marine was given
a pound of turkey.
At services at the Washington
Cathedral, where Bishop James E.
Freeman preached the sermon: at
St Patricks, where Bishop John F..
OHara, former president of Notre
Dame University and now military
delegate for the United States armed
forces, preached, and at the White
House the Thanksgiving theme was
not only one of giving thanks for
bountlful blessings but a ringing
conviction that Americas fight to
preserve freedom and decency will
be. triumphant.