Waitangi Day
Sir, —Many thanks to Helen Garrett (February 13) for her comments on the Waitangi Day commemoration at Okains Bay. Our stint at Okains Bay was indeed a most rewarding one, albeit with a few tense moments. Protesters removed our flag and burnt it, unaware, probably, that the only honourable disposal of a flag is by immolation. I would guess also that they are unaware of the symbolism of the Union Jack; what flaps at the end of the flagpole is but a piece of cloth. Whatever happens to that piece
of cloth is really rather irrelevant — I wear at times a very snazzy pair of Union Jack socks. What is important is the meaning of the. Union flag, and that meaning is written indelibly upon my heart and the hearts of many. I thank 'Helen; I was despondent, but now I am cheered. Such a sane and perceptive attitude as gives me hope that, despite those who would incite anger and separatism, we may achieve a union of people of this land. Not British, not European, not Maori, not Pacific Island. Just people. — Yours, etc.,
S. SYMONS, Alf’s Imperial Army. February 13, 1989.
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Press, 18 February 1989, Page 24
Word Count
195Waitangi Day Press, 18 February 1989, Page 24
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