The Press FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1963. Anzac Day And Poppy Day

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30110, 19 April 1963, Page 8

The Press FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1963. Anzac Day And Poppy Day

Nobody is likely to say or write anything particularly new about Anzac Day. If it were otherwise, this national day of remembrance might be less important as a linch-pin of New Zealand nationhood a permanent symbol of the principles upon which a nation is worthily built. Not the least of these is fidelity, that firmness of spirit which is tempered by the fires of conflict and tribulation. To attempt to add to the Anzac lesson would be unnecessary and presumptuous. Each year the approach of Anzac Day revives memories of the selfless valour, comradeship, and cheerfulness of those New Zealanders who died in their country’s service during four wars. Nowadays few of their compatriots are familiar with the course of the great international dramas within which most New Zealand sailors, soldiers, and airmen individually played only minor roles. The details of military campaigns have grown almost irrelevant; it suffices that these men—and women —died in the service of their fellows. Anzac Day commemorates things intangible rather than the tangible fruits of victory. No-one should forget that the Gallipoli campaign ended in failure—but what a glorious failure! From the sweat and muck of those dreadful months there was distilled something that may be regarded as the essence of New Zealand nationhood. The heroic potential of

average New Zealanders has been demonstrated on innumerable occasions, both before and since the Anzac landings; but all such occasions are epitomised, gratefully and humbly, in the Anzac memory. Anzac Day observances have not been immune to the changes that time has wrought in New Zealand’s social structure. As fewer veterans of Gallipoli remain to recall exploits of longdead comrades, increasing obscurity cloaks the ponderous events of 1914-18. To a younger generation, even the Second World War has lost its immediacy. The brittleness of post-war international relationships contrasts strangely with a widespread view that total warfare is far too fearful for any country to contemplate. In these circumstances it is well for the community to be reminded of the enduring human qualities that are as necessary as ever to the good guidance and defence of the national destiny. Anzac Day affords the best possible occasion for reaffirming the worth of such qualities, both to every citizen and to his homeland. In its own special way, the annual Poppy Day appeal of the Returned Services’ Associations forms part of the Anzac observances. This appeal enables the public to support the provision of comforts for returned servicemen whose lives have been dimmed by war. The 1963 appeal, which will be held today, merits a generous response.