RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31042, 23 April 1966, Page 46

RANDOM REMINDER

ANZAC DAY From the Dawn Parade until Lights Out, Monday will be a day of memory. And no amount of argument about whether Anzac Day is an anachronism, whether the cinemas should have eight shows that day, and sports events start after breakfast, will convince very many New Zealanders that the occasion is not one which should be anything but a day of grateful remembrance for those who gave their lives in time of war.

Gratitude is one of the more admirable traits of human nature, but it is in danger of being submerged by selfishness. There are still many thousands of people who lost husbands or sons, brothers or fathers, in battle. Should they have to have a day of particular remembrance sullied by the clamour of commerce? It is surely not just oldfashioned to remember bright-eyed youngsters who died, because. thev believed they had to risk such sacrifice? To recall

comrades at lea, in the field, or in the air. with pride and an affection quite untouched by the passage of the years? War is not pretty, or heroic, or glamorous. And there is little patience with those who refuse to leave their days of service, and feel that everything since is of little consequence. But there must be feeling for those who gave so mucn; for those who lost so much, and are still with us. If gratitude is too much to ask, hnw about a little common eourtesj'?