MEMORY OF FALLEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20234, 19 April 1929, Page 12

MEMORY OF FALLEN.

ANZAC DAY OBSERVANCE.

FUNEREAL ATMOSPHERE.

APPROVAL OF ALTERATION

The opinion expressed by the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergusson, on Wednesday that the observance of Anzac Day had assumed a too mournful atmosphere, has for long been held by many returned soldiers, and a movement for a change, without robbing tho day of its dignity, would probably receive the support of tho majority of the men who fought and survived.

In the beginning, the day was set apart as one of solemn remembrance of all the men who died in the Great War—not merely those who died on Gallipoli—at the firm insistence cf returned soldiers. One or two of the anniversaries had been celebrated while the country did its ordinary business, the closing of businesses being optional. It was quickly recognised that under these conditions, the commemoration could not be worthily performed. The right 'atmosphere was lacking, and there was no opposition to the Government's action in declaring the day a close holiday and similar in all respects to a Sunday. While tho war and its losses were still fresh, while the wounded hearts of the bereaved were still bleeding, it was inevitable that the observance should reflect the pain felt by them. It was inevitable that speeches should be attuned to (he dominating spirit of the day, and while many returned soldiers and others saw the ceremonies from an angle different from the view of the bereaved, their hope and aim was to givo first consideration to the feelings of the personal mmirncrs. But the years have sped during which grief has lost its cutting edge. It is possible for many parents to regard the death of their sons as a proud memory. But the form and character of the Anzac Day services have not changed. The result is that the feelings of the bereaved are unnecessarily lacerated. There 5s everything to open heart wounds and little to remind people that there is an everlasting glory in> the courage and sacrifice of those who died, and that this sacrifice contributed to a victory which ensured the freedom that was menaced.

To this view many soldiers subscribe, 'although thev would be loath to move for any change that might bo misinterpreted. But as one remarked yesterday " Vic won the war, and those who died helped to win it." His idea, and that of many others, is that while Anzac Day must not be robbed of its solemnity, while the day must not ho allowed to develop into a common holiday, it should have less of the funereal in its atmosphere. Probably none of them would bo prepared to suggest off-hand what change should be made, but it is a matter for the careful consideration of the executi\e of the Returned Soldiers Association ana the authorities.