THE CHILKOOT POST
___ An unofficial periodical published without expense to tho U»S_*_
Volume 4 August 15bht 1934 * ^3
MAYOR BJORNSTAD ACTIVE IN PUNNING TOR NATIONAL DEFENSE TEST DAT:
Present plans for MdSitf dna.L Defense Test Day, Sept;ember 12, at Haines
incJLCide a parade of the garrison of ikoct Barracks, in wnich so far as is
possible each man w.Ul fill che fun* ji.'-n vo be Taker, b} him in ;.ase of an
actual mobilization, the signing up ot pa ri To 3 c civi. laus to fill the ranks
of the oi ganizafc ions he* e just as recruits from south oasis* VVusjca would fi.
them in case of p
and refreshments^
recently appointed by Governor " , Scott C* Bone.
fill
war, a public meeting including music and patriotic addresses
, according to Mayor Karl Bjornstad, member of the committee
Blanks havd been mimeograthed for signature by men between eighteen
and forty-five years of age who are willing to take part in the Defense Day
observances* Signature of these blanks does not ooligate one for any other
or further service, and since the festivities are to be held in the evening,
no one will be obliged to miss a day's work on account of them*
As many of the adults of Haines are at work at the road camp or at
the cannery, a committee will be sent to those places to interest them in the
observance of National Defense Day, Special observances of the day may be
planned at those points, since many mayi not be able to come to Haines the
evening of September 12.
Letters have been received by the reserve officers of Chilkoot Bar
racks, requesting that they participate in the observance of Defense Day in
uniform of their reserve corps rank. In turning out the troops here for the
defense test, Major Maddox, commanding,desires in so far as is possible that
each of the reserve officers take over the duties which would be his in case
of a national emergency.
The purpose of the Defense Test is explained by Secretary of War
Hohn Vi/. Weeks as follows:
’’The simole demonstration planned Haight be compared to a fire drill
for the safety of the children in a school* Just as fire escapes rnd exits
are of little value if the children do not know how to use them, so also are
the best plans for our safety of little value if our peomle do not know what
the plans are and what they should do in a crisis.”
Secreii&tfy Weeks' points out that not cniy will the deferae test make
for national security but it will also work for peace:
"in so far as there is a.ny foundation for the assumption that people
are frequently induced to warlike actions without realizing the consequences
of these acts, the 'Defense Test’ will be a precautionary measure,” he says.
"Everyone will be made aware of the sacrifices which war will require of him.
’’The 1 Defense Test’ on the other hand will apprize the world as no
words could do of our friendly purposes as a nation. They will see we have
neither a standing array of a half million men,like some great nations, nor
compulsory military training like other great nations. They will see only a
small standing arny, reinforced only by citizens......
(over)