TRUMPET CALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1939, Page 8

TRUMPET CALL

MEANING OF NATIONAL SERVICE

A trumpet call has sounded over the land, says the “Children’s Newspaper.” It bids every man do his duty. This is the meaning of National Service, and this the reason why the country’s young manhood is to be trained to fit itself for its share in it. The call has shaken some of our old confidence to its foundations. We dwell no longer in splendid isolation. The tradition that our island fortress is inviolate is crumbling before our eyes. An immense change has come over our lives. We have come into a world which is not at peace even when it is not at war. No one can pretend that this is peace time. Therefore we must be prepared. The easy life is no more. We must defend ourselves against every challenge. Everyone must be at his post. We shall not fail. It is not heroism in the face of death and dismay that the call to Britain has come for, but for something simpler, yet as brave. It is for the quiet courage that prepares to meet danger when it comes, and, fully knowing what may betide, fits itself calmly and patiently to meet the worst and hope for the best. That is what this country asks of its men; and it is a call that in every other land is making itself plainly heard. No man any more can take everything the world gives him and give the world nothing back. If it gives him peace, he must put all his strength at his country’s service In keep it.