THE QUEEN SPEAKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 November 1939, Page 5

THE QUEEN SPEAKS

BROADCAST TO THE WOMEN OF THE EMPIRE MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VITAL SERVICE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, November 11. The Queen, broadcasting Io the women of I lie Empire, recalled that last time she spoke was at Halifax. Novti Scotia, during their Majesties’ tour of Canada and the United Stales, when there was peace and the very idea of strife and bloodshed seemed impossible. “I speak today in circumstances sadly different,” she said. “For 20 years we have kept this day of remembrance as one consecrated to the memory of a past and never-to-be-forgotten sacrifice,and now the peace which that sacrifice made possible has been broken and once again we have been forced into war. “I know you would wish me to voice in the name of the women of tlie British Empire our deep and abiding sympathy with those on whom the first cruel and shattering blows have fallen —the women of Poland. Nor do we forget the gallant womanhood of France, who are called on to share with us again the hardships and sorrow of war. “War has at all times called for the fortitude of women. Though in the past women have felt able to contribute little to the practical war effort, the position is now changed, for we. no less than the men. have real, vital work to do. SPLENDID HELP GIVEN. “The call has come, and from my heart I thank you. the women of our great Empire, for the way you have answered it. The tasks you have undertaken cover every field of national service, and I would like to pay my tribute to all of you who are giving such splendid and unselfish help in this time of trouble. “At the same time I do not forget the humbler part which so many of you have to play in these trying times. I know it is not so difficult to do the big things. But these tasks are not for every woman. It is the thousand and one worries and irritations in carrying on wartime life .in ordinary s homes which are so often so hard to bear. ' “Many have had to see family life broken up. you husband going off to his allotted task, your children evacuated to places of great safety. The King and I know what it means to be parted from our children and we can sympathise - with those of you who have bravely consented to this separation for the sake of our little ones. CARE OF CHILDREN. “Equally do we appreciate the hospitality shown by those of you who have opened your homes to strangers and children sent from places of special danger. You are giving real service to the country. It it. after all. for our homes and for their security that we are fighting, and we must see to it, despite all the difficulties of these days, that our homes do not lose those very qualities which make them the background as well as the joy of our lives. “To all of you in every corner of the Empire who are doing such fine work in all your services or who are carrying on at home amid the trials of these days, I would wish to give a message of hope and encouragement. We have a part to play and I know you will not fail in yours. Only when we have won won through to enduring peace shall we be free to work unhindered for the greater happiness and the well-being of all mankind. “We put our trust in God, who is our strength in all times of troubles. I I pray with all my heart that He may bless, guide and keep you always.” While the King listened-ih at his own wireless set in another room, the Queen spoke alone from a small room, on the first floor of Buckingham Palace, from which the King broadcast, on the first day of the war.