Empire Day.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 99, 20 April 1914, Page 5

Empire Day.

THE CELEBRATION IM 1914.

JUNE 22 I INSTEAD OF MAY 24.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 8.0 a.ra.) London, April 18. The Earl of Meath is suggesting that Empire Day be celebrated on June 22, and there is a disposition in Imperial circles to adopt the suggestion. "RESPONSIBILITY, DUTY, SYMPATHY AND SELF-SACRIFICE.” According to the Daily Mail Year Book, over 17 millions of British subjects celebrated ‘‘Empire Day” in 1912, and this total was increased considerably last May 24, which was the date usually selected for the celebration, The Earl of Meath suggests the following points for the day:— (1) If it bo found locally undersirable to celebrate Empire Day on May 24, any day in the year may be chosen, but preferably June 22. the anniversary of the Coronation of King George Y. and of the Diamond .Jubilee of Queen Victoria. (2) It is hoped that all children who take part in the celebration will previously have been instructed in the “Empire Catechism,” and, if possible, have learnt the ‘‘Shorter Empire Catechism,” and one of the "Empire Songs” by heart. Ail these can ho obtained on application to the hon. secretary to the Empire Movement, at 83, Lancaster Gate, London, W. (3) Girls as well as hoys should he taught to salute the Union Jack. (4) Marguerites or a hunch of daisies should he worn. The daisy is symbolical of the Empire. It is composed of a number of independent florets united by a corona. The watchwords of the movement are ‘‘Responsibility, Duty, Sympathy, and Self-Sacrifice.” The movement is nonparty, non-sectarian, non-racial, and non-aggressive.

It is hoped that friends will present flagstaffs, Union Jacks, Empire Avail maps (such as the “Navy League” map or the "Howard Vincent” map), and the King and Queen’s portraits to poor schools, and also a framed copy of the "Empire. Message to British Boys and Girls” published by the movement and to be obtained at the office. It is Avell to give an official touchAo the celebration by inviting, where possible, someone of distinction to address the gathering of children. In this Avay the day is made more memorable.