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Lehigh Swings Into Gigantic Job Of Raising United Appeal Quota Leaders at United Appeal Opening Rally [[image]] General Chairman Warren W. Rhoda and Mrs. Ralph James (right), leader of the women's division, are pictured with Miss Lee Ya-Ching, guest speaker, at last night's opening United Appeal rally. Parade Marking Opening of Appeal Campaign Witnessed by Thousands Despite Bad Weather Rain failed to dampen the spirits of Allentown's parade-conscious citizenry and, as a result, last night's march opening the two-week United Appeal campaign in Lehigh county was a success from all angles. Although rain started to fall an hour before the parade moved from 12th and Hamilton Sts., and continued throughout the evening, thousands of persons lined Hamilton St. and none of the marchers dropped from the line as a composite picture of the community's strength at home was shown. With the city and county bands marched military and semi-military groups, representatives of the county's industries and schools, civilian defense forces, labor groups, members of the United Appeal's solicitation Army, and the groups that are at work every day of the year maintaining the community's health, looking after the welfare of those in need, caring for its [?] [?] character in its youth. Colorful floats and attractively costumed marchers represented the war relief organizations that are participating in the single campaign for support. The organization of the parade was directed by Henry M. Faucett assisted by a large staff of marshals and aides. First Division Marching briskly in close formation and swinging smartly along Hamilton St. in the first division a company of 72 WACS from the Indiantown Gap military reservation drew considerable comment from the spectators who roundly applauded the military units which followed the police color guard and Mayor George F. Erich, grand marshal, who was flanked by the two feminine Marine recruiters who are stationed in Allentown. The division included the assistant marshals, United Appeal officials, Captain Walter C. Carroll, commanding officer of the Allentown Armed Forces Induction station; Chief Specialist A. C. McGranary of the Navy recruiting office. Following them was the Pioneer band led by Gerald Reinsmith, the WAC company, WAVE recruiters in a Navy station wagon, the soldier personnel of the induction station and the officers of the Pennsylvania State Guard who preceded the First Infantry band. The State Guard's Co. F followed with two companies of the Minute Men, a large representation of the Sheriff's Defense corps, the Herbert Paul Lentz American Legion Drum and Bugle corps, members of the post and auxiliary, the Jewish War Veterans post and its auxiliary, and representatives of various other veterans organizations of the city, completing the three-band-unit of the first division. Second Division Led by the colorful majorettes, the Allentown High school band was first in the group making up the second division. Gene Dulaney, auxiliary police chief, led the Allentown Auxiliary policemen, wearing their white helmets and armbands, in the largest adult group in formation. The American Women's Volunteer Service corps along with their junior members followed in march. Mrs. Ralph James led the Women's Flying Squadron, the army of women workers during the United Appeal campaign. The second group in the second division was headed by the Central Junior High school band and majorettes. Sixty members of the Mack plant police guards followed in line. A bulldog and three other dogs on leashes were led by officers of the police force. The Men's Division of (See PARADE-Page 22) Faced with the tremendous task of raising $420,612 in 11 days for the United Appeal, more than 2,500 volunteer workers this morning rolled up their sleeves and placed their weight behind the campaign to provide support for the 44 local and national welfare agencies which are making the lives of the Nation's service personnel, the families on the home front and our war-harrassed allies more live-able. A stirring challenge and an important charge were issued to Lehigh countians last night by representatives of the United Nations, men of the armed forces, officials of the local United Appeal agencies and civic leaders at the opening rally in Rockne hall. The vast army of solicitors went into the field today armed with an ammunition more powerful than bullets and shells. They started their canvass eagerly, with the knowledge that every penny they collect will bring happiness, comfort, health and stability to a people united in the prosecution of a war of principles. They know that $420,612 established as Lehigh county's goal will provide relief work for members of the United States armed forces, will purchase food and medicines for our war-torn allies, will furnish succor for war orphans and, closer by, will maintain the agencies of the local Community Chest in their work among the persons manning the home front in Lehigh county. Campaign officials will receive their first indication on the progress of the drive at noon tomorrow when the first of four report meetings is scheduled for Asbury Methodist Church. It is hoped that, despite the fact the campaign will be but a day old, a sizable portion of the goal will have been accounted for. Similar report meetings will be held on the following Friday and Wednesday afternoons with the final "victory" meeting on Friday evening, Oct. 29. Chairman Warren W. Rhoda expressed confidence today that Lehigh county will not fall short in its obligations both at home and abroad and expressed the opinion that when the first report is completed the Army's prime mover will have made a long advance down the Hamilton St. "thermometer," which marks the tempo of the drive. Large placards, bearing the number "44" for the 44 agencies in the campaign, will be unveiled as the county climbs towards its goal. The thermometer starts at 12th and Hamilton sts. with its "top" at Centre Square. The prime mover will be the indicator. The opening rally in Rockne hall, climaxing a parade of United Appeal agencies and defense forces, featured stirring music by Allentown's massed bands, a message of thanks from the Chinese people through Miss Lee Ya-Ching, personal representative of Madame Chiang Kai-Shek; a message (See APPEAL-Page 24) So Others May Live- A DAY'S PAY [[image]] Mrs. Carrie Kratzer of 741(1/2) N. 8th St., show clerk at Wetherhold and Metzger, is giving a day's pay to the United Appeal because she is anxious to do her part "for those men who are out there fighting for us and for the families and friends they left behind. That's the least I can do," she said as she signed her pledge card as the campaign got under way. For the Home Fronts and the Fighting Fronts - At Least a Day's Pay to the United Appeal