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^[[Lt. Col. Mountain: For your information. JWO]]

BRANCH HEADQUARTERS NO. 1, BASE SECTION NO. 2
SERVICES OF SUPPLY, United States ARMY FORCES
CHINA BURMA INDIA

A.P.O. 630
31 May 1944

Mr. E. E. Stone
1901 E. Arbolita Dr.
Glendale, Cal.

Dear Mr. Stone:

It was my privilege to say a prayer over the grave of Elmer yesterday at the Memorial Day exercises in the American cemetery where his body is buried. 

Men from every unit in the area, and the commanding officers or their representatives, assembled in military formation on either side of the graves. I prayed, asking the presence of God in this place and wherever men fight and die for their country, and that we may be granted wisdom and courage to make real those great purposes for which they gave so much. We prayed for you, seeking your comfort and for our country, that she may win this war and establish a just and righteous peace on earth.

Then the senior officer in the area gave a brief address on the meaning of Memorial Day. It is at[[strikethrough]]time[[/strikethrough]], he said, when we those who have gone before us in the fight of good against evil. We believe our side to be on the side of the good, and we seek to inculcate those ideals for which we fight in all our living.

Three vollies from the firing squad formed a dramatic prelude to the playing of taps on the bugle and a moment of silence. It was a simple and beautiful ceremony, especially, impressive to those who participated.

The graves were not decorated because we keep fresh flowers continually growing in the cemetery. They are watered from a deep well daily. The cemetery is kept neat and clean at all times.

I am sure that the commanding officers and men join me in extending our deepest sympathy to you who have given so much.

Sincerely,

JAMES M. DAVIS
Chaplain

^[[This letter also sent to next of kin of other graves. [[JMP?]] ]]