The Globe Independent

Army Day Will Be
Observed April 7
Feature Day Of Army Week
Takes On Status Of American
Folk EventTheme For Week
Is "A Strong America Is A
Peaceful America."

Observance of Army Day is taking on the status of an annual American folk event, response to the War Department program indicates.

The American people in the bustling cities, serene villages and calm countryside—are putting their heart into supporting the occasion dedicated to our veterans—in and out of uniform—those who gave their lives on the field of battle and the members of the Army that must carry on the multifold tasks devolving from the hard-won victory.

Every section of the people, from enthusiastic school children to world-wise veterans of the Nation's wars, is apparently prepared to join in recognition of Army Day which this year has been expanded into Army Week.

Traditionally falling on April 6, anniversary of America's entrance into World War I, and originally sponsored by the Military Order of the World Wars, Army Day has been set for April 7 this year by Presidential Proclamation, as the preceding day is Easter Sunday.

Army Week is April 6 to 12, inclusive.

The War Department will conduct many activities nationally in support of Army Week but commemoration of the event is primarily a project of the American people of which the Army, soon to be completely volunteer, is an integral part.

The logic of the theme for Army Week this year—"A Strong America is a Peaceful America"—has been accepted by the "man on the street" known throughout our history for his good common-sense. It is generally recognized and accepted that an adequate defense establishment—coordinating the Regular Army, the National Guard, the Organized Reserve Corps and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps—is vital to American and world security. The victory was won and the peace must be earned. This cannot be done without the proper tools and the necessary trained manpower to work them.

Most of Army Week activity will be conducted locally, in the cities and towns of the country.

Army commanders throughout the United States, Hawaii and Alaska, commanders of all posts, camps and installations will stand ready to cooperate fully with local groups sponsoring the patriotic activities which will honor our veterans and the fallen of past wars.

Army posts and installations and National Guard armories will have "open house" on certain days which will be announced locally.

Many towns, including Washington and New York, will hold parades in which Army units will join with veterans' organizations, patriotic societies, youth units and other groups.

Both the AFL and the CIO, representing organized labor, are giving all-out support to the occasion.

Every element of the many-faceted American population is sharing in the activities this year—more than ever. Included is labor and industry, the churches, the schools and colleges, the movies, theaters, radio and the press, veterans' and women's organizations.

It is indicative of a unanimity of opinion among the American people on the spirit and significance behind Army Week—this year and the years to come.