Memorial Day for the fallen of Israel’s wars began this evening with sirens blaring and flags lowered to half-mast. President Ephraim Katzir assembled with other guests to light the memorial candle at the Western Wall.
Others present at the traditional ceremony included Israel’s Chief of Staff Raphael Eitan, bereaved families and invited guests. Katzir and Eitan spoke, and a bereaved father recited Kaddish.
All centers of entertainment shut down, as other ceremonies took place simultaneously in other parts of the country. At Haifa’s Memorial Park, Defense Minister Ezer Weizman noted that while Israel’s wars have taken their toll among its youth, peace depends on strength, deterrence and an ability at all times to keep that peace in mind.
Tomorrow, the entire day will be devoted to memorial services for the armed forces throughout the country. Memorial day will end tomorrow night on Mt. Herzl where the grandchildren of the soldiers who fought in the War for Independence will light the 12 torches symbolizing Israel’s 12 tribes.
Meanwhile, preparations were going on throughout Israel for Independence Day Thursday, especially in Jerusalem where the major program will be held. Highlight of the program will be a dress parade at the Hebrew University stadium honoring the soldiers who fought in 1949.
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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.
