The Guardian And Evening Star, with which incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1929.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1929.

TO-\ I OR ROW ’ S MEMORIA L The commemoration of An/.ac Day tomorrow will recall vivid memories ol' the great day, and the Great War oi which it was to Australia and New Zealand in particular, such a notable event There has been some discussion on the form of commemoration, but it appears manifest to Us that m the liic of the present generation at least, it will not he possible to introduce any particular note ol joy into the proceedings. Memories are still too poignant, and very rightly the occasion .•alls for a reverent feeling such as has 1,0011 always associated with the services. The very fact that the services are in themselves religious suggest the solemn note, and it is difficult indeed to he far removed from such a looting mi such a day. An/.ac Day is in the nature of ■ a holy day, rather than a holiday, and that characteristic does not invite the entry of the lighter \oin. When we remember and recall the spirit of An/.ae, we may well pause to consider the spirit in which the day should he observed. It is true that the service of commemoration reopens old wounds and brings back heartaches but can that he avoided in any case. Despite all our hopes and aspirations, there is always something very solemn and arresting in recalling memories of lost ones. Wo may rejoice ill their goodness and estimable qualities, but the more we may do so, the greater do we feel their loss and severance. An/.ac Day is not a day for boasting—proud though wo may he ol tin* noble hearing of the Anzacs on Gallipoli and elsewhere. April 25th. was a day of great trial in the Great War, and the splendid hearing and conquering.spirit, of those who went forth to join in the common doleneo, calls lor the highest admiration and commendation. II that spirit had not been rampant then would the Great War have had another ending, and what would have been the feelings of the nation to-day? There is a call for gratitude for the service given, for the solf-snorilico made, and lor the splendid courage and honour displayed. And in acknowledging all that I here must he regretful memories for (lie fallen, for those who wool lorili in (ho right spirit and yet had to make the self-sacrifice. It is that aspect of An/.ac Day, and all the great days of the war which claimed their victims, which impresses at this time and occasion lor solemn coininemoi ai ion. Over lon years have passed since the (treat War ended. In I he interim I here have been manv ri‘|'oi-ls and explanations of what “might have been on .\nzac shores. Tin* revelations ol the nearness at. limes to eomiilete vie.torv in that particular seat, of the war. hut emphasises the geManlrv ol the sacrifice that was made. This is not. an occasion to exnress re< r rel at the failure of that special campaign, for the lailure was minimised by the effect it had in causing the enemy to concentrate at

points which in other respects helped other aspects of the far-llung combat. Any failure in the leadership or the organisation of the particular campaign, does mu diminish the pride and glory wo may have in the great occasion ol Anr.ac. The records have recounted and confirmed the courage and demeanour of the young oidouinl troops, and on that account our gratitude might well he overllowing. hut above and beyond all we must recall at such a lime of commemoration the service and spirit of the men who ignored ail for the puolic safety, and by whose .sol 1 - sacrinco that safety was secured and .assured—our debt of gratitude will never be discharged, and so with proper iride and deep thankfulness we m.Tr •.ppreacii tin' tommem./i'atinn of A mute Day in a .spiriL in keeping with that in which the supreme sacrifice was made.