Evening star., 1945-11-12


Two-Doy Observance;
Schools Closed Today
A Federal holiday was observed
here today in honor of Armistice
Day after ceremonies yesterday on
the 9th anniversary of the close
of the World War were high lighted
by the laying of wreaths on the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in
Arlington National Cemetery by
President Truman, Prime Minister
Attlee of Great Britain and Prime
Minister w. l.. Mackenzie King OF
Canada.
Workers OF the Federal and Dis
trict Governments and Washington
school children had a holiday today.
Schools also were closed in Alex
andria and Arlington County.
Banks and most groceries were
closed. Department stores, fuel and
oil dealers remained open.
A crowd of 1900 gathered in a
drizzle in the Arlington Amphi-
theater for the traditional observ-
ance yesterday.
Stand in Reverent Silence.
The President and the two Prime
Ministers stood in reverent silence
for a minute before the resting place
of the Unknown Soldier before
stepping forward and placing their
wreaths. The Army Air Forces
Band then played "The Star Span
gled Banner" God Save the King"
and the Canadian anthem. A bugler
sounded TAPS"
Representatives Of 80 veterans
patriotic and fraternal organiza-
tions took part in program in the
amphitheater. Many wreaths were
placed during the day.
The Presidents party went from
the Unknown Soldiers Tomb to the
Canadian Peace Cross, where Prime
Minister King laid a wreath. Prime
Minister Attlee placed a floral trib-
ute on the tomb Of Sir John Dill,
late head Of the British Joint Staff
Mission.
Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, wife
OF the commander of the European
theater, honored the memory of the
Unknown Soldier with a wreath on
behalf Of the veterans of World
War II.
Urges Military Training.
Edward N. Scheiberling, national
commander of the American Legion,
made plea before the audience in
the amphitheater for peacetime
military training to preserve ma
tional security.
We must keep ourselves strong"
he said, 80 that no future Hitler, no
future Mussolini or Hirohito will
dare to challenge us. We cannot do
that painlessly. We must give of
our time and our pleasure. We
must reach into our pockets for a
money contribution in the form of
taxes"
I Mrs. Charles B. Gilbert, national
president of the Legion Auxiliary
urged the women of America to de-
vote renewed effort to "those things
which bear closely on the home
good government, good schools. good
health, good recreational facilities,
adequate welfare work and good
citizenship from all, points" Z
Mrs. Edna May Standing, Cleve-
land, national president of the Blue
Star Mothers of America, led dele
cation in paying tribute TO the dead
OF the war that ended 27 years ago.
There were many other ceremonies
in the Metropolitan Area, led by vet
erans' organizations, and the ami
versary was marked in many
churches by references in sermons
or other portions of the services.
Marshall Hints Of Retirement.
Speaking at an armistice cere-
mony yesterday at Berryville, Va.
Gen. George C. Marshall indicated
he may retire soon as Army Chief
of Staff, and urged that sacrifices
made in the war be not wasted dur
ing the transition period.
Gen. Marshall's remark that IT
hope very shortly that I will not
only be among my neighbors, but
also among my friends" was inter-
preted generally as giving credence
to reports that he soon will step
down.
The general, who has a home at
Leesburg, spoke to approximately
5000 persons at ceremonies featured
by a mile-long parade of veterans,
State Guard units, WACS, Red
Cross units and. the Newton D.
Baker Hospital Band.
Federick's ceremonies were held
at the monument in Memorial Park
with a talk by Brig. Gen. John B.
Markey, retired, former commander
of the 115th Regiment of the Mary
land National Guard.
Veterans of three wars were to
march in Cumberland's Armistice
Day parade. Hagerstown will hold
a parade and an American Legion
banquet tonight. Representative
Beall, Republican, of Maryland was
scheduled to speak at Boonsboro
tOCiav