Evening star., 1954-12-18
$500 on Hand
At Opening Of
Peace Pageant
Eisenhower Speaks
And Lights 65-Foot
Tree in EIIipse
BY Harry Bocos

Ihe Christmas Pageant OF
Peace" entered its first full day
of festivities today after STIR
ring opening last night in which
President Eisenhower set the
EllipSe ablaze with colored lights.
The opening ceremony kindled
an OF her light in listeners
-~~------~~--
Text Of President Eisenhower's Message.
Poes Ais
Dolly Prosrom for Pageant OF Peoee.
Pose A-l6
throughout the world as the
President declared that man
kinds unquenchable hope for
peace burns brighter (now) than
for many years.
For that bright hope the Pres
iGent gave thanks, saying that
this year. wen as 1000 years
ago. when the Prince of Peace
was born into the world, the
drums of war are Stilled.
In their silence. after a whole
generation OF almost ceaseleSs
beating, many people enjoy
the first peaceful Christmas they
have known" ,
1900 Spectators.
A crowd estimated at $500
persons sat in front of the bril-
liant silver-colored stage or
crowded around the 65-foot COM
munity Christmas tree to hear
the Presidents annual mes
sage. Millions of others listened
over Nationwide radio and tele-
vision. The Voice of America
carried the message throughout
the world in 38 languages.
Today. after a noon worship
service. Santa Claus was to open
the "Children'S Corner" at 4
pm. and an evening of choral
music, religious plays and mod
ern dance was to begin at 1880
pm.
The daily and nightly pro-
grams, which will continue
through January 6. will maintain
the twin notes of rejoicing and
solemnity which the President
struck.
For his message of peace
and good will" contained also a
quiet warning that America does
not want peace at any price"
While expressing this Nations
gratitude for the friendship of
peoples across the earth." the
President declared that no man
should think that we shall for
sake principle in resigned toler-
ance of evident evil: that we
may pawn our honor for tran
STORY concessions.
Arrive Together.
President Eisenhower arrived
at the stroke of five as dusk
settled over the lavishly deco
rated park. Mrs. Eisenhower,
! dressed in mink coat with a
red scarf and gloves and a pert
red and = white sequined h a t,
walked beside him up to the
stage as OnloOkerS cried Hi,
Mamie!"
To four ruffles and a flourish
and Hail to the Chief" played
by the United States Marine
Band. they were seated along
with Vice President and Mrs.
Nixon and their two daughters,
Secretary of the Interior Nc
Kay, Commissioners Renah
Camalier and Col. Thomas A.
Lane and pageant officials Ed
ward j. Kelly. Granville GUIDE
and Edward r. Carr.
A guard of honor was formed
by uniformed school cadets,
Boy Scouts. Girl Scouts. Cubs,
Brownies and Campfire Girls.
The Rev. Carl Heath Kopf,
minister of the First Congrega-
tional Church and president Of
the Washington Federation Of
Churches, delivered the invoca-
ton and an 80-voice choir from
Washington area churches sang
THE First Noel"
Girl Scout Voices Welcome.
A Girl Scout. Lois Jean IfIert,
daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. r. E.
1ffert, 5308 Huntington parkway,
Bethesda, presented a bouquet of
pink roses to the smiling Mrs.
Eisenhower and welcomed the
Chief Executive and his wife as
a couple who "exemplfy the
spiritual and wholesome family
life so needed in America"
The Boy Scout who followed
drew a laugh when he forgot
momentarily his memorized
tSee PAGEANT. Page A-16)