ANZAC CELEBRATION.
CRITICS CRITICISED. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY, RETURNED SOLDIERS' VIEWPOINT. [BY TELEGRAPH- —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Tho suggestion made by the former Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, before he left New Zealand, that Anzac Day services should emphasise pride, self-sacrifice and thankfulness rather than mournful remembrance and sorrow, is commented upon in the report of tho New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, which was presented at the annual meeting to-day. " The association has endeavoured to give effect to the suggestion and it has proved to be no easy task," the report states. " Criticism of the fresh efforts have unfortunately rendered little assistance, and the association would remind the public that the paramount importance of the commemoration of Anzac Day is the manner in which the growing generation views it. *
" Anzac Day in New Zealand commemorates the entrance of this Dominion into the circle of nations, the glorious achievement and self-sacrifice of all who answered the Empire's call, and the proud remembrance of the manner in which over 1,000,000 of the British Forces laid down their lives.
" Quiet reflection by some of those who criticise the methods of observance would possibly indicate how little they have done to consider even the difficulties and troubles of those in our midst who helped to create Anzac Day. It is true in New Zealand as well as in other parts of the world that those who made promises during the Great War are now weary to the point of annoyance of being shown that there are jome things still to carry out. " Anzac Day is one reminder that causes such folk a little discomfort. To them it curtails receipts, hinders commerce and banking, eliminates sport and entertainment. It is ' ridiculous.' Can one expect these people to reflect on the position of affairs had the sacrifices commemorated each Anzac Day ended with Britain and the Allies vanquished!"
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20599, 25 June 1930, Page 12
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311ANZAC CELEBRATION. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20599, 25 June 1930, Page 12
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