ANZAC ADDRESS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 67, 26 April 1944, Page 5

ANZAC ADDRESS

MEMORIES OF THE FALLEN

WE SHOULD HONOUR THEM

"The thoughts of all to-day are with those men, who in this and in the last war went away to fight for those they loved and I would like you to have them well in mind as we consider t them here to-day." In this way Rev. J. C. J. Wilson prefaced his Anzac address in the Grand Theatre yesterday. He went on to say that fo>r many 'Of the men who went away their act was one of renunciation, even of life, itself, in some cases. It meant, their removal from everything they liad loved, their families, homes, their careers. All these had to be left behind while they went away to complete something. Many did not come, back for they had died in the process of lighting for their ideal. We who were left should always honour these men, but we should not grieve for them, for over their graves was raised the cross, the symbol which reminded us of another who died in battle against, the very same forces which were the cause of war and misery to-day. Death could not hold him, nei-' ther could it hold those dear ones who had died in battle. There was never any, wastage in their passing

rather had they gained. Our attitude to the memory of these men had a direct bearing on our worship with God, for it ill-became us to make our memorial service an occasion of mere outward show. "They died in the fight for a better world," said the Rev. Wilson. "You and I can live for one." We had our share of responsibility in the great cause for which they had laid down their lives. A new definition of a 'patriot', he said, was one who in both war and peace strove to bring about the Kingdom of God upon earth. It was essentially, a spiritual matter. On Good Friday, nearly two thousand years ago, the only sinless man ever born died fighting those powers which caused wars —human greed and human selfishness. It was by continually ignoring those powers that we perpetuated Avars and regularly sent our sons overseas. If therefore Ave were not prepared to slioav ourselves hopeless hypercrit.es, Ave should be Avilling for Christ's sake and the sake of all those dear to us who had died, to take from their example the inspiration to live better lives. His Worship the Mayor presided and Avith him Avere associated Revs. J. G. Laugh ton, G. V. Thomas, H. Hogg and J. C. J. Wilson., Mr W. Sullivan. M.P., Messrs W. R. Boon; L. Luxton and L. Buddie. Hymns sung during the. service were "All people that on Earth do Dwell," Kipling's Recessional, "O God our Help in Ages Past," and "Abide With Me" for all of Avhich music was supplied by the Boys' Band.