CITIZENS MOBILISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18814, 15 September 1924, Page 7

CITIZENS MOBILISE.

AMERICA'S " DEFENCE DAY."

ALL STATES PARTICIPATE.

(Received 5.5 p.m.) Renter. WASHINGTON. Sept. 13. " Defence Day " was celebrated throughout the United States yesterday. In Washington the American airmen, who have almost completed their flight around the world, were a feature of the proceedings. They passed over the national capital, followed by another aeroplane containing officials, journalists and photographers. Throughout the country the day was celebrated by the peoplo with parades, etc. The object was to keep alivo the citizens' interest in defensive preparation in accordance with the recommendation of General Pershing. Commander-in-chief of the American Army, who retires from active service to-night. Church organisations, as well as many Liberal and Socialistic societies, passed resolutions deprecating the appointment of a day for such a celebration on the ground that it tends to foster a spirit of militarism. •

General Pershing recently officially outlined what was in prospect for "Defence Day," and why the day was to be celebrated. "It is to be a day," he said, "given to patriotic gatherings by citizens of every community, during which everyone will learn his place and portion in the defence of the country should our security be threatened. The test will be a try-out for our small, regular forces and the national guard* but more especially will it show tho preliminary steps required for the prompt utilisation of our large reserve force of patriotic citizens. We have never before undertaken such a step in instruction. Now we are trying to educate each individual in a practical way. The 'test' will certainly hax-e a most beneficial effect on national sentiment, through which we hope to establish this system as a permanent policy. We expect all our people to participate in this defence teat, and in some suitable manner celebrate the day in commemoration of the victory of American arms at St. Mihiel."