Christmas Joy

With Old St. Nick just around the corner, workers at Shelton, Washington put in long hours to ensure early arrival of selected eulatide trees to all parts of the country. Every branch bears the Christmas spirit.

At Seattle's Naval Air Station, a special load of Christmas cheer is put aboard a plane bound for various points in the icy northern wastes, where our troops still protect our Arctic outposts. hosts. Merry Christmas, Joe. All over the nation, eager shoppers parade before store windows, packed with bright and shining presents for all the family, especially the youngsters. And

it's a big problem to make a selection without breaking Santa. Pretty little girls and big beautiful dolls. And happy tots galloping hobby horses have found in every toy department. A handful of enticing puppetry brings a glow of anticipation. And if you want father's heart to beat faster on Christmas morning have Chris Kringle deliver a load of these streamliners

to the children. If the limited is held up at the bridge, well, presto, and the Christmas flyer gets the green light. Everybody's friend has something for everyone. If you know of someone he might miss, open up your heart and have a merry Christmas.

I have taken over the duties of the chief of staff of the army from a great predecessor and of course, and honored by the selection. But I'm keenly aware that I have taken up this duty at a critical time in the affairs of the nation and of the Army.

To win the war, you raised the greatest Army in our history. We are now engaged in tearing down that Army at an unprecedented rate. At the same time, we have commitments in foreign lands, commitments which require military strength.