REMEMBRANCE DAY.

Evening Star, Issue 25882, 28 August 1946, Page 6

REMEMBRANCE DAY.

There is wisdom in the decision that henceforth November 11 shall not be set aside as Armistice Day in recognition of the anniversary of the termination of the First World War. To the younger generation that war is little more than .history, while even to the older generation the part it played in their lives has been, in the main, completely overshadowed by the more recent international tragedy; but both generations would agree that some part of each twelve months should be set aside to honouT the dead

of both wars. So, to those who would still prefer it that way, a November date remains as the day for honour-’ ing, and it has been fixed for the Sunday preceding November 11. On that day the Empire will pay its tributes to those who fell in the cause of freedom in two wars, in circumstances similar to those that have prevailed since 1919.' when a two minutes’ hush has fallen upon the nation at 11 a.m.

in many respects Sunday observance will have advantages over the weekday custom, since there will be less chance of the hour being ’ overlooked, as has happened in the turmoil of commerce, while appropriate services could' be given in the various churches in addition to the traditional brief service at the various focal points of remembrance in the different centres. The observance with which we' are familiar here is .general in the countries that fought on the victorious side in the years between 1914 and 1918, although in the United States a full holiday is held in several States. It can, however, be expected that the lead established by Britain will be followed by most countries that recognise Armistice Day admitting that a Sunday possesses a more appropriate atmosphere than any other day of the week.

It may be that some similar change would not be disadvantageous in the case of Anzac .Day. The Returned Services’ Association has admitted that the present observance of Anzac Day is out of keeping with recent Empire events, and realises that some change is due. Were Anzac Day to be fixed on the Sunday preceding April 25 sufficient of its original associations would be retained, while its scope could be widened to embrace fully the two great wars of this century. Perhaps more important, there would be provided a solution of the religious problem that, has grown more pronounced in recent years, as denominational differences appear _to be playing a part not originally intended , or desired. There is no reason why the name Anzac Day should be changed, since that name in itself implies a link with Australia that would be difficult to incorporate in any other name. It ia certain that a change in Anzac Day commemoration will come, and it would seem that Sunday observance lias a good deal to commend it. Cenotaph services and parades could be held on Sunday afternoon as desired.