INTEREST IN ANZAC DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 99, 28 April 1937, Page 10

INTEREST IN ANZAC DAY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—One must thank your correspondent; "13/1076," for his contribution to your valued paper. I think he has unfolded to all the significance of Anzac Day; at least it is the most comprehensive one 1 have read to date, and it would not be out of place in any shape or form if reprints could be distributed to the schools. Families whom the war never affected in loss financially, or in the loss of even distant relations, want to forget all about it today, as they apparently forgot all about it when it- was a raging hell for most people. It meant nothing to them, so why should they not forget it. On the other hand/strange as it may seem, there are a few returned men, but not many to my knowledge, who want to ignore it entirely, but the ones I do know in this category are in good financial circumstances and perfect health, and they are few and far between, and I feel quite certain as years roll on these very ones will come to the aid of the majority and strengthen the cause for returned men. I understand that in Australia the membership of the R.S.A. is growing every year. They do not hold a close holiday,- excepting up till 2 pirn., and after that time no one is allowed to exploit it in the way of amusement for personal gains. ■ "Lest We Forget," I am afraid, is quite inaccurate in at least some of his statements, and I am rather surprised that they got by you, Mr. Editor. I refer particularly to where he states that it is an open fact that attendances are ..diminishing, where military'speakers are present. We will take any reunion pf soldiers, or their various clubs, where there are speeches by ex-officers and other ranks, and "Lest We Forget" will find . that the ■ji;-.:i"nn"ns are iacre: ■ ->nd bounds. I have never seen such crowds on any Anzac Day as gathered this year, and I am certain that the muster of returned men was a record, in fact, everything in connection was surpassed. Certainly the address or sermon was excelled this year on Anzac Day, and the Bishop of Wellington is to be congratulated by his tactful and at the same time 100 per cent. Christ-like meaning address.—l am. etc.,

DUBBIN.