
"Alert America" Exhibit Opening Ceremony
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Opens abruptly with end of song. Grover Whalen opens the event with a short speech about the Democratic way of life, the threat of communism and the "Alert America" Exhibit. He thanks the many carpenters, engineers, architects and all others who contributed to the design and installation of the exhibit.
He then introduces Dr. John R. Dunning, Dean of the School of Engineering at Columbia University who worked on the Manhattan Project. Dunning speaks of the period after the second world war, the creation of nuclear weapons, and the importance of civil defense. He assures the audience that through military (and nuclear) strength it would not be worth it to the enemy to pursue World War III. H emphasizes the importance of every man, woman, and child taking part in civil defense.
Next, Whalen introduces Brandan Byrne of the Valley Forge Foundation. He reiterates the new post-Hiroshima world we are now living in and the duty of every man, woman, and child not in uniform to contribute to the civil defense effort.
Next, Director of Civil Defense Arthur W. Wallander is welcomed to the stage. He pays tribute to Grover Whalen for the ceremony. He discusses the role of local government in protecting the people of the community. Wallander thanks the Mayor for sparing no expense in the civil defense effort. He closes with the slogan "If we are attacked we fight back!"
Finally, Mayor Impellitteri speaks. He expresses his thanks to Wallander to setting up the New York City Civil Defense organization and to Grover Whalen for arousing public interest in this vital community undertaking.
Closes with WNYC reporter.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 71753
Municipal archives id: LT1855