King Broadcasts Christmas Cheer Message To Empire

Northern Advocate, 26 December 1940, Page 5

King Broadcasts Christmas Cheer Message To Empire

('Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 25. TN A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE BROADCAST THIS AFTERNOON TO THE NATION AND EMPIRE, THE KING SAID:

“In the days of peace, the feast, of Christmas is a time when we all gather together in our homes, young and old. to enjoy the happy festivity and goodwill which the Christmas message brings. “It above all is children’s day, and I am sure we shall all do our best to make it a happy one for them wherever they may be. “War brings, among other sorrows, the sadness of separation.

“There are many men in the forces away from their homes today because they must stand ready always to resist an invader. "They are guarding the dark seas, or pursuing the .beaten foe in the Libyan desert. “Many family circles are broken. “Children from English homes today are in Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. “For not only has the manhood of the whole British Commonwealth rallied once more to the aid of the Mother Country in the hour of need, but the peoples of the Empire have eagerly thrown open the doors of their homes to our children, so they may be spared the strain and danger of modern war. Tribute to U.S. “And in the United States also, where we find so many generous, loyal friends and organisations to give us unstinted help to win the war, the people are keeping and caring for many of our children till the war is over. “But how many more children are there who will be moved from their homes to safer quarters? “To all them at home and abroad Who are separated from fathers and mothers, to their kind friends and

hosts and all who love them, and parents who will be lonely without them, from all in our dear home land. I wish every happiness Christmas can bring. “May the New Year carry us towards victory and happier Christmas Days, when everyone will be home together in years to come. “To older people here and throughout the world, I would say that in. the last Great War the flower of our youth was destroyed and the rest of the people saw but little of battle. “This time we are all in the front line and danger together, and so I know the older among us are proud, and should be so, to remember this. “If war brings separation, it brings new unity also—unity which comes from common perils and common sufferings willingly shared. Good Neighbours.

“To be good comrades and good neighbours in trouble is one of the finest opportunities of a civilian population, and by facing hardship and discomfort cheerfully and resolutely, not only do they do their own duty but play their part in helping the fighting services to win the war.

“Time and again in these few months, I have seen for myself battered towns and cities in England, and I have seen the British people facing' their ordeals.

Froud of Race, “I can say to them all that they may be justly proud of their race and nation.

“On every side I have seen a new and splendid' spirit of good fellowship springing up in .adversity, and a real desire to share burden and resources alike.

“Out of all this suffering there is growing a harmony which we must carry forward in the days to come, when we have endured to the end and victory is ours. “Then, when Christmas days .are happy again, and goodwill has come back to the world, we must hold fast to the spirit which binds us all together now. Thoughts for Others.

“We shall need this spirit in each of our own lives as men .and women, and shall need it even more among the nations of the world. “We must go on thinking less about ourselves and more for one another, for so, and so only, can we hope to make the world a better place .and life a worthier thing. “And now I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Happier New Year. “We may look forward to the New Year with some confidence. “We have to encounter a grave crisis. Courage and Confidence. “We do not underrate 'any of the difficulties which confront us still, but we take courage and comfort from the successes our fighting men and our allies have won at heavy odds by land, air and sea. “The future will be hard, but our feet are planted on the path to victory, and, with the help of God, we shall make our way to justice and peace.”