Independence Day Celebrations Started in Israel; Heroes Honored

Sirens blasted the morning quiet in all inhabited parts of Israel today, announcing the beginning of Memorial Day, the day on which the entire nation pays tribute to its sons and daughters who fell in the War of Liberation. All activity ceased as the nation stood in a two-minute tribute of silence.

Shortly afterwards, flags over all public buildings and in all public squares were raised to half-mast, memorial services were held in synagogues and remembrance candles were lit in public places and in the cemeteries. Atop Mt. Zion, President Ben Zvi inscribed the last verse on a special scroll commemorating the nation’s war dead.

In army encampments special parades were held and army chaplains held services. The military cemeteries were crowded with members of the families of the fallen heroes and special ceremonies were held in front of monuments to the unknown soldier in various cemeteries.

In his order of the day, the Army’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier Moshe Dayan, paid tribute to those who “with their lives and blood” made up for the shortages in arms and munitions during the war of liberation. He called upon the entire nation to remember those “who with their bodies paved the way for our liberation.”

Sirens at the end of the day signified the end of Memorial Day and the beginning of Independence Day. Flags were hauled down and festivities began replacing memorial services as the youth of Israel commenced celebrating tonight.

Independence Day celebrations were officially started tonight by Speaker of the Parliament Joseph Sprinzak who lighted the first torch on Mt. Herzl, northeast of Jerusalem, which was the signal for lighting of 12 torches to symbolize the 12 tribes of ancient Israel.

At his residence here, President Ben Zvi gave a formal reception for the diplomatic corps. Afterwards, the President distributed medals to a number of Israeli veterans and then made a broadcast in which he greeted the “nation and our brethren throughout the world.”

The President told his listeners that the destiny and future of the State is “indissolubly bound up with the future of the Jewish people, wherever they are. There is place for the millions who might come to join the ranks of those who are struggling and laboring. Though immigration is on the decline we are confident it will yet grow and increase and bring new blood and strength for building up the country.”