“HUMANITY’S FRIEND”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 23, 2 May 1947, Page 7

“HUMANITY’S FRIEND”

4 Just a newsflash o’er the airwaves, Cryptic words that simply said In their grim, tremendous import, “President Roosevelt is dead!” News that stunned the many nations For whom he sacrificed his days In immeasurable Devotion Far beyond our power to praise. In the flush of Allied triumphs With “V” Day just a step ahead, Lovers of Freedom everywhere Mourned one of their Greatest Dead. From Frozen North to icy South, From Fighting East to war-torn West, Freedom’s Victory cry was hushed— Humanity’s friend had gone to rest.

Yet as he passed from mortal ken, He left behind in the hearts of men A fragrant imperishable memory, That will linger as long as Liberty Can clasp the Torch and hold it high And men down the Ages gladly die To keep alight its Sacred Flame; Inspired by a revered name. Mighty tributes from many great men To this great man’s memory have been paid, Praising him in the name of millions, For the glorious part he played, To free a world from Tyranny; In its darkest Hour; But in the ranks of lesser men, Who only knew him from afar, Franklyn D. Roosevelt will ever live, As a friendly Evening Star That lighted their way in the blackness Of earth’s most fearsome night, To pass from view as the Morning

dawned On Freedom’s Triumphant Fight. “Roll out, Ye Drums, your solemn knell! Roll on—and on, to Eternity!” .Franklyn Roosevelt has joined History’s noblest Fraternity. “Sound the Reveille! Blow, Trump's, eters, Blow! This be in his Epitaph on banners unfurled! He fought for Humanity Spent himself for the world!” William Richard Whiteside.