Capacity crowds turned out here today to visit the two Israeli warships–“Haganah” and “Misgav”– while Israel’s naval commander Shlomo Erel, accompanied by the captains of the two ships, laid a wroath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. A.U.S. naval detachment was present and acted as host to the Israeli officers.
President Truman yesterday stood on the bridge of his yacht, the U.S.S. Williamsburg, and saluted the Israeli warships as they passed in the Potomac River at the entrance to Washington harbor. The Presidential yacht was heading for the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay for the Memorial Day week-end when the Israel ships were soon making their entrance into the harbor. The President stood on the bridge of the Williamsburg as the ships drew near. He saluted. The Israel crew came to attention and saluted the President.
At a ceremony after the ships arrived, the keys to the city of Washington were presented to the flotilla’s commander, Shlemo Hrel. The Metropolitan Police band played. District Commissioner Donohuo said that “as an Irishman who belongs to a race which has fought a long time I wish to congratulate Israel. Having fought for freedom, I know Israel will fight to keep it.”
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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.
