TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22915, 6 April 1949, Page 6

TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES

the benefits of Marshall aid the Prime Minister of

Britain, Mr. Attlee, said that the economic scene in Western Europe had been transformed in the past year to a degree that must astonish everyone. This progress, he added, had been accomplished because of the generosity and far-sightedness of the people and Government of the United States. Today is Army Day in the United States, similar to Anzac Day in New Zealand, when tribute will be paid to the part played by the Army in safeguarding democratic ideals and philosophy. Not only will the people of the United States join in this tribute but also the British Commonwealth. Messages have been sent by New Zealand. The debt owed by New Zealanders to the United States forces in time of war is well known and has frequently been acknowledged. The debt continues in peace. Today the United States Army is being forged into the most important single stabilising instrument in a troubled world. Without that force the future would be very uncertain. Its potential is enormous; in 1945 its strength was 14,000,000 spread throughout the world. Much has been written about the United States Army’s wartime achievements, but comparatively little is known of its peace-time accomplishments. Early last century it blazed the trail for expansion westwards, pacified hostile Indian tribes, built roads and canals, made surveys and assisted in railway construction. Later tasks were the improvement of navigable waterways and flood control work, i This century manifold functions have included the construction of the Panama Canal after the failure of de Lesseps, afforestation, communications, medical research and assistance in the development of atomic energy. The Secretary of the Army, Mr. Royal], said recently.- “The Army sees itself today, as in the 1770’5, as the servant of the people of the United States, dedicated to doing the people’s bidding whether it be to fight foreign foes, govern enemy areas overseas, relieve the victims of flood or fire at home, or do whatever else the Congress may direct it to do. Strong or weak, praised or criticised, it has never failed in its duty, and it never will.” The United States Army has produced great men who include General Marshall and General Eisenhower. The future shape of world events depends largely on its continued quality and strength.