ANZAC DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16987, 25 April 1917, Page 6

ANZAC DAY

.MESSAGE TO THE TROOPS. (Pbb United Pbess Association.) . , WELLINGTON, April 24. . Sir James Allen (Minister of Defence) issued an Anzac Day message ±ho message has been transmitted to the High Commissioner, and will be communicated to the soldiers in hospital, to General to be communicated to the troops in franco, and to tho officer commanding in to be conveyed to the New Zeaiand troops with the army operating in Palestine. Iho message reads:— • To-day is the second anniversary of the historic landing at Gallipoli, which will go down in. history as one of tho finest feats of daring in which British soldiers have been engaged. Wo are proud to think that our New Zealand troops emerged from this ordeal fit to rank amongst the bravest defenders of the Empire. Since then much blood has been shed, and many homes have been made desolate, but it has not been in vain. Wo stand to-day a united people and part 'of a united Empire stronger than ever, but chastened by the sacrifices that have been forced upon us. Our troops are still fighting in the far flung line, and they will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with England and our Allies till an honourable and lasting peace has been secured. Let us trust that the next time wo celebrate Anzac Day it will be in peace and that our eoldiers will have returned to us. Let us also hope that** when tho clouds of war have rolled away its lessons will not be forgotten, and that we shall all realise that if the country is to bo free its citizens must not only be prepared to dio for it in time of war but to live for it in time of peace. Anzac Day will bo observed at the South Dimcdin Presbyterian Church to-day at 11 a.m., when a united service of intercession will be held. In tho Reid Hall at 7.30 p.m. a united commemoration service will be held, when Chaplain-captain S. G. Griffith will deliver an appropriate address.