In preparation for the celebration of Israel’s 13th Independence Day on Monday, which will be marked by a huge military parade in Haifa, it was disclosed here today that the Air Force has acquired six air-to-air Matra missiles for its French-made Mirage jets and that American-made Patton tanks will be on display in the parade. The advanced missile is self-propelled and is an effective defense against the latest types of bombers.
In Haifa, troops began rehearsals today for the military parade. Other major cities were already decorated today with flags, bunting and multi-colored street lighting in preparation for Monday’s celebration. Eighteen thousand tickets have been set aside for tourists to watch the parade in Haifa and sales of the tickets began today. Many planes and ships bearing foreign visitors coming for the parade are due to arrive this week.
On the eve of Independence Day, Israel will observe the annual Memorial Day for its battle dead. Early Sunday morning, the traditional memorial torch will be lit in the presence of parents, widows and orphans of those who died in the battle for Jerusalem.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.