THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES Tuesday, July 13, 1943. WELCOME HOME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25276, 13 July 1943, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES Tuesday, July 13, 1943. WELCOME HOME

There arrived back in their homeland yesterday a body of men famous the world over, to the friends of New Zealand and her foes alike. The first and most' pleasant duty which their country owes these men, the soldiers of the earliest components of the New Zealand Second Division, is a most hearty and heartfelt welcome; that, and a rather humble acknowledgment, for as the Governor-General said in his message of greeting, we are very proud of them, and very grateful. Probably they will not want more than a single and sincere profession of those sentiments of admiration and of gratitude - with which their presence must inspire those who, in comfort and *from one of the safest vantage posts in the world, have followed their progress in battle. If the capacity of the publicminded New Zealander for oratory remains undiminished, the young veterans from Africa may before their period of furlough is elapsed have their fill and more of tributes to their prowess in the field of war. Their own desire is probably to be with their friends and families in their old, familiar setting of the quiet suburban home or the farmhouse. s The Government—partly, it is true," from lack of choice—has shown a wise understanding of this need in arranging for the men to commence at once the glad journey home without the delay and distraction of parades and official ceremonies. These can come later when they, have reoriented themselves in the winter calm of the untroubled country whence they departed to play their man’s part in some of the most sensational events in modern history; when, with the sharp sense of danger stilled for a time, they have learned again to relax with friends as completely as in the remote, incredible days before there was a war. If it is possible later for public tribute to be paid them in their own towns and, districts, as the Prime Minister suggests, this will certainly be part of the people’s wish. As soldiers they have, in Dr Johnson’s words, a special dignity the dignity of danger; mankind must honour them for “having got over fear, which is so general a weakness.” They have dared more boldly than other men in proof of their citizenship, and perhaps nothing but public avowal of the debt to them will suffice the citizens’ will. Yet the tributes must be' touched by sadness, and for some the return of these men will evoke only a bitter return of sorrow. In honouring those who are coming among us again it will be impossible to forget those who have not yet returned, and those who will never return.