ANZAC DAY

Press, Volume LXXXIIi, Issue 25302, 30 September 1947, Page 5

ANZAC DAY

CHANGE OF NAME SUGGESTED PROPOSAL BEFORE R.S.A. A proposal for changing the name of Anzac Day to “National Commemoration Day” was outlined in a circular | from Dominion Headquarters, received at a meeting of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association last evening. Discussion of the scheme was postponed until the next meeting, but the circular was received. Reasons given for the proposed change were set out in the circular as: (1 Anzac Day not only commemorates the part taken by New Zealand forces in World War I, but it also commemorates the entry of New Zealand into the realm of nations. (2) With the proposed change, the commemoration would cover all previous wars. (3) It would obviate the setting aside of another day. (4) To commemorate any specific battle anniversary of World War II (for example, El Alamein) would raise the question of similar action for the Battle of Britain. Cassino, River Plate, etc. (5) The change would be in keeping with the membership of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association (i.e., those who served in previous wars merged into one). Reference to a letter that had been sent to the president of each association in 1941, when the proposal had previously been discussed, was made in the circular The letter suggested that “Anzac Day should be made a national commemoration day—a national returned soldiers’ clay and not merely a 1914-1918 soldiers’ day--a which has meaning for all the nation’s veterans. . Let us then make the main parade this year one of inspiration for victory, one on which will march as units our men who have joined the national military reserve, home guard, and other organisations, heated. if you like, by veterans of past wars, and of the present war, who are unable for various reasons, to belong to any of these bodies, so that the people of New Zealand will see marching together the citizen soldier of democracy on active service.”

All local associations were asked in the circular to discuss the subject and to inform the Dominion headquarters ">f their nninions.