ANZACS OLD AMD NEW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 298, 28 April 1941, Page 4

ANZACS OLD AMD NEW

ANZAC DAY 1941, was pregnant with a new and deeprooted feeling. Those who attended the record service in the shade of Pohaturoa last Friday will have noted the new and strange note which Was apparent throughout the proceedings. The usual programme was adhered to, but it seemed fuller, wider and based upon a more serious contemplation, which Anza,c Day crowds of the past have failed to grip. Home Guardsmen, Women's Auxiliary units and Territorials gave added weight to the new interpretation of the twentysixth anniversary. What was the reason ? Surely it was this —the second world war is marching- to its climax—and the thoughts of everyone were fa,r away where the second race of Anzacs are building a tradition enually as glorious as that won by their predecessors. Thus, was Anzac Day, in Whakatane, and throughout the whole of the Dominion, framed in a new and deeper light than ever before. It is highly probable that after the present conflict is over and swords have been beaten into ploughshares' once again that the same commemoration will be observed embracing in its sanctity and its silent tributes the memories of Anzacs, old and new. Veterans of the last war paraded for the first time since the great conflict, under military corrtroiL This time however as men of the new garrison army which has been set up to safeguard these shores. They above all others knew and appreciated the work of the second Anzacs, realised just what they were undertaking knew what they were going through, and above all knew that they too, would come out of it all 'thumbs up' and-with a song of victory on their lips. Hundreds of splendid young men were absent from Friday's parade yet their spirit marched with the six hundred down the Strand, and though the ceremony took place under cloudless skies and amid surroundings of peace and prosperity we make bold to state that there was not one present who would not follow their noble example, and place their 'all' at the nation's disposal in the cause of the Britishers unconquerable love of freedom. Though lengthening shadows appear to be over us r/, the present time, it is always well to remember that the darkest hour is ever before the dawn. In the faith of this belief we see in the years/ ahead the Anzac Days of peace which have been won once again for us by the imperishable youth of an. Empire which can never, never tolerate oppression and slavery.