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TELEPHONES FITZROY
5600 5601 5602 5603 5604

"To conserve the highest and best interests of the Fifth Avenue section:

JOHN H. TOWNE, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
ROBERT GRIER COOKE, PRESIDENT 
MICHAEL FRIEDMAN, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
ANCELL H. BALL, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT
DOUGLAS L. ELLIGMAN, THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT
HARRIS A. DUNN, TREASURER
WILLIAM J. PEDRICK, GENERAL MANAGER
THOMAS W. HUGHES, SECRETARY

TO THE MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS OF THE FIFTH AVENUE ASSOCIATION, INC.:

Subject: NATIONAL DEFENSE DAY, September 12, 1924 September 3 1924

A test of the Nation's defenses will be held throughout the country on September 12th, the date fixed by President Coolidge as National Defense Day.

Fifth Avenue, because of its commanding position among the thoroughfares of the Nation, State and City, is looked to for a demonstration, in the traditional Fifth Avenue manner, of the spirit of patriotism and unity which will animate the entire country in its first great defensive test.

Not since the trying days of 1918, when the "Avenue of the Allies" symbolized so perfectly allied unity and allied patriotism, has a similar opportunity been presented to our Avenue to accept its heritage and responsibilities by a fitting display of the National, State and City flags.

In order that our Avenue's traditions may be faithfully followed, we need your co-operation in making the best display that is within your power.

If you have no State or City flags -- then at all events, please fly the National flag. If you have no present arrangements for flag poles, we hope that temporary arrangements will be made in order that the display may be uniform throughout the length of the Avenue from Washington Square north.

The influences that led President Coolidge, Governor Smith and Mayor Hylan to lend their endorsement and participation in the celebration of our Avenue's Centenary  in November next, were expressed by the President, when he accepted, through his Secretary, our invitation to become Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Body for the Centennial Celebration. He said in part:

"Realizing the significance and sentiments that attach to Fifth Avenue, not only in the Nation's metropolis, but indeed throughout the entire country, and even the world, the Presidents finds it a satisfaction to accept."

With your hearty co-operation in the observance of National Defense Day, our Avenue's answer to the call will justify the President's confidence and will establish more firmly than ever Fifth Avenue's leadership among thoroughfares that are a part of the history and the life of the Nation.

Very truly yours

Wm. J. Pedrick
General Manager