ANZAC DAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16663, 7 April 1916, Page 92

ANZAC DAY.

Theke will be unanimity of feeling in the community that the anniversary of the historic landing of the Australasian forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula should be' suitably honoured. Where opinion niay. differ is_as to the manner in which the.day may. most suitably receive that distinction which we would all accord it. The idea that Anzac Day should be made an occasion for popular rejoicing may appeal to the thoughtless and to those whose idea of a celebratipn is that of something divested of all dignity or solemnity, but the majority of people will readily agree that it is not an idea to be seriously entertained. The 'view expressed by Bishop Sadlier, of Nelson, that an Anzac Day of festivity and carnival, in view of the gravity of present circumstances and in the light of all that the day commemorates in tho way of gallant sacrifice of life, would be entirely out of harmony with the fitness of things, is unquestionably the right one to take. Anzac .Day must be honoured above all things in the spirit of commemoration. The more wholeheartedly it is made the occasion for a serious display of our patriotism and of our determination, in honouring a heroism with which the world has rung, to strain every nerve to do our part in contributing towards tlie victory of the Allies, tho more adequate, the more valuable, and the more lasting will be the impression created. Suitably observed, Anzac Day should brace "these dominions with renewed vigour to the task they have undertaken, and to an impressive demonstration of their resolve that the sacrifices they have already made shall in due season bear fruit which posterity will long enjoy. A right feeling throughout the community on the subject of this anniversary cannot fail to produce the right kind of celebration. The example of heroism, the memory of the gallant dead, the unalterable resolution- to complete the work for which their lives were given—these must be the ideas underlying whatever form the commemoration may take. The method of the celebration must be dictated by the high and strenuous purpose which it behoves every part of the Empire to) manifest in the present hour and by remembrance of the sorrow which, even in this dominion otherwise so little touched by the conflict, the war has brought upon hundreds of homes. " Lest we forget" may well be our motto in honouring the first anniversary of what will henceforth figure in our calendar as' Anzac Day.