GRATITUDE TO EMPIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 112, 13 May 1937, Page 11

GRATITUDE TO EMPIRE

OVERFLOWING HEARTS

IDEAL OF SERVICE TO OTHERS STRESSED

United Press Associatlon-By Electric TeleEraDh-Copjrtl ß l.t.

(Received May 13,10 a.m.) LONDON, May 12. ; Londoners paused in their celebrations of the Coronation to sit hushed in their homes, theatres, and public houses to listen to the broadcast m which the whole Empire paid homage to the Kmg. It was an impressive reminder of the breadth of the lTp*e as th" voices from the Dominions responded to the London announcer's summons. The^reatest moment came after the hush following the playing oi "God Save the King" when the King s clear, deliberate voice pronounced the opening words of his message The King spoke from his study on the first floor oi Buckingham Palace. He sat at his desk, on which two mkrophones had been place* The Queen and the other members of the Royal Family listened in then private apartments. nn A The following is' the text of the King's broad"lt is with avery full heart that I speak to you tonight. Never before has a newly-crowned King been able to talk to all his subjects in their own homes on the day of his Coronation. Never has a ceremony had so wide a significance, for the Dominions are now free and equal partners with this ancient kingdom. I felt this morning that the whole Empire was in very truth gathered within the walls of Westminster Abbey. "I rejoice that I can now speak to you all, wherever you may be gathering—old friends in distant lands, and, as I hope, new friends in those parts where it has not yet been my good fortune to go. In this personal way the Queen and I wish health and happiness to you all, and we shall not forget at this time of celebration those living under the shadow of sickness and distress. Their example of courage and good citizenship is always before us, and to them I would send a special message of sympathy and good cheer. "I cannot find words in which to thank you for your love and loyalty to the Queen and myself. Your good will in the streets today, your countless messages from'overseas and from every quarter of these islands have filled our hearts to overflowing. Twill only say this: that if in the coming years I can show my gratitude in service to you, that is the way, above all others, that I should choose. "To many millions the Crown is the symbol of unity. By the grace of God and by the will of the free peoples of the British Commonwealth, I have assumed that Crown. In me as your King is vested for a time the duty of maintaining its honour and integrity. This, indeed, is a grave and constant responsibility, but it has given me confidence to see your representatives around me! in the Abbey and to know that you, too, were enabled to join in the infinitely beautiful ceremonial. '* "Its outward forms come down from distant times, but its inner meaning and message are always new. The highest of all distinctions is service to others and to the ministry of Kingship. I have in your hearing dedicated myself, with the Queen at my side, in words of the deepest solemnity, and we will, God helping us, faithfully discharge our trust. "Those of you who are children now will, I hope, retain memories of the day of care-free happiness such as I still have of the day of my grandfather's Coronation. In\years to.come some of you may travel from one part of the British Commonwealth to another, and moving thus within the family circle, will meet many whose thoughts are coloured by the same memories and whose hearts are united iri devotion to our common heritage. < "You will learn, I hope, how much our free association means to us, and how much our friendship for each other and for all the other nations on earth could help the cause of peace and progress. The Queen arid I will always keep in our hearts the inspiration of this day. May we ever be worthy of the good will which I am proud to .think surrounds us at the outset of my reign. I thank you from my heart, and may God bless you."