U.S.A. FLAG

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1943, Page 4

U.S.A. FLAG

PRESENTED TO CITIZENS OF MASTERTON TOKEN OF FRIENDSHIP, RESPECT AND TRUST. ACCEPTED BY THE MAYOR. The national colours of the United States of America were presented to the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, for the citizens of Masterton, at an entertainment in the Regent Theatre on Sunday, at which the residents of the town and district were the guests of the United States Marine Corps. The flag was proffered as a token of the friendship, respect and trust placed in the people of Masterton by the Marine Corps. The letter attached to the flag from the Commanding Officer of Marines in Masterton stated, in part: — “The people of Masterton have cared for our sick, relaxed the battle-worn, and generally rehabilitated this Defence Battalion. The warmth of their friendship and the extent of their hospitality has been of such unbounded capacity that Masterton is not just a billet, but is now T our New Zealand home.

“It is therefore requested that on all New Zealand holidays, and other occasions when a display of national colours is appropriate, that our colours fly with yours in order that in our Masterton home we share always in your life and your triumphs.” Mr Jordan, who expressed pleasure at having the Marine Corps amongst them, accepted the flag as the symbol of the great Republic of the New World and also as a pleasant reminder of the gallant Marine Corps.

An excellent entertainment, organised by the Marine Corps, was presented in the Regent Theatre and subsequently the guests, who included many councillors and representative citizens, were served with refreshments at the American Red Cross Service Club.