King George’s Oration

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1938, Page 5

King George’s Oration

(Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 22. His Majesty, performing the unveiling of the memorial, said:— “It is a great privilege to me to unveil this noble monument, and in the name of Australia, to welcome the presence among us of the President of the French Republic and the head of this great people on whose soil we are now standing and to which the events we recall today have bound us with ties that the passing of years can never weaken. Memory Perpetuated. “On this monument is an inscription telling us and others who will visit this hill in years to come that it perpetuates the memory of the Australian Imperial Forces in France and Flanders, and the 11,000 of whom fell in France and had no known graves, but there is in these stones, as there was in the very sacrifice they commemorate, a deeper and fuller significance. “What we see before us is more than a tribute to the gallant services of a splendid army. It is a symbol marking the first entry into history of a young and vigorous nation —the gateway through which Australia passed from youth to manhood, “A century and a-half ago, a new land of peaceful promise was revealed to your forefathers in the vast continent of Australia. As years drew on, and settlers availed themselves of the gifts of Nature, the promise was fulfilled, and prosperity in that golden age seemed to have become the certain birthright of every Australian man and woman. Peace and plenty were abroad in the land. The Call Answered. “Although unity had been achieved in federation, there was as yet no outward stress to weld the people together, so that Australia might take her rightful place in the community of nations. In 1914 the call came. The trial was made. Australia’s response was unhesitating and sure. “Her chivalry hastened to Europe, and before the four long years of war ended, no less than five divisions of citizen soldiers were engaged in its several theatres. “At Gallipoli they won their spurs. Henceforward they were veterans. Their quality was unquestioned by friend or foe. The long and glorious record of their later achievements holds none more resounding than those •which linked their names with Villers. On to Victory. “To them was allotted the task in 1918 of recapturing a town at

a vital strategic point. On Anzac Day they accomplished that task, and four months later it Was from this spot they strode forward on their victorious and ever memorable advance. “The ridge on which we stand surveys those hard-fought actions, and the monument which crowns it will commemorate them for all time. Its very surroundings are emblematic of comradeshi'p, which is the watchword of our British Empire, for it looks down on a hallowed field, beneath whose soil, consecrated to God and their glorious memory, lie men who came from every corner of the earth to fight for ideals that were common to that whole Empire. “They rest in peace, while over them all Australia’s power keeps watch and ward. It is fitting that it. should be so, and, as your King, I feel great pride at unveiling it —pride in a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude towards those whose last resting it guards.” Eloquent Silence. After the dedication of the memorial by the Bishop of Amiens, buglers of the Grenadier Guards sounded the “Last Post,” and then complete silence reigned for at least a minute. The silence was then broken by the roll of drums heralding the sounding of “Reveille.” The Bishop of Amiens offered prayers, and recited “De Profundis,” after which the hymn, “O Valiant Hearts,” was sung, and then the chorus of “La Marseillaise” again rang out, followed by “God Save the King,” in which the great assembly fervently joined. The King and Queen left the dais, and the King and Sir Earle Page, Deputy-Prime Minister of Australia, laid wreaths at the foot of the tower. The Queen placed a bunch of flowers beside the wreaths. The assembly then gave three cheers for the King, and the ceremony concluded with the singing of “Land of Hope and Glory.” M. Le Brun took final farewell of Their Majesties, who left for England.