KEEP THE FLAG FLYING

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 14

KEEP THE FLAG FLYING

I'O I’UE EDITOR OF the press. Sir,—l note in a recent issue of “The Press” that it was suggested by a civic official that in these days of stress for our Empire the Union Jack should be kept dying on public buildings. I beg j 10 offer a further suggestion. At a time when the trend of the war is not generally in the Allies’ favour, and when pessimism is found in many hearts, let us use a little plain psychology to help matters. We have been told that England is rapidly being transformed into a veritable fortress, and her dominions, including New Zealand, are potential fortresses as well. The sign of the unconquered citadel is the flag flying at the top of every turret. I would suggest, therefore, as citizens of the Empire, and fighters in the cause of freedom, whether it be under arms, in the factory, or cn the farm, that we keep the flag which denotes our freedom flying above us. Let it be flying on every public building, and fluttering in the breeze above every school. If we own a car or a truck, put a miniature Union Jack at the bonnet. Let' every bicycle have its tiny flag above the handle-bars. These miniature flags could be sold from a central agency, at. say, a shilling each, and the proceeds given to war funds. The psychological effect of the British flag so much in evidence and flying bravely, would be immense. Never the lotus closes, never the wildfowl wake. But a soul goes out on the East Wind that died for England’s sake— Man or woman or suckling, mother or bride or maid. Because on the bones of the English, the English flag is stayed. —Yours, etc., NAILED TO THE MAST. June T9, .1940.