SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF ANZAC

Southland Times, Issue 23183, 26 April 1937, Page 6

SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF ANZAC

Memorial Services Throughout New Zealand BIG NUMBERS AT CEREMONY IN INVERCARGILL After 22 years the valiant storming of the heights of Gallipoli, in which the New Zealand and Australian troops “won their spurs” and inscribed another page in the history of bravery, remains a fresh and treasured memory. The spirit of Anzac will survive the passing of time, as it has been given a greater significance than the mere commemoration of a single engagement. It is the spirit which prompted so many of the flower of the nation’s manhood to offer their lives to preserve the independence of their country and protect their homes. They gave their lives in the war that was to end war, and in these critical days their memory calls for a greater observance of the spirit which prompted them in order to prevent a recurrence of the tragic sacrifice. Anzac Day was observed throughout the Dominion yesterday in a solemn commemoration of those who fell in the Great War. The nation assembled to mourn its dead and to hear once again the message of faith in the future which the experiences of the war encouraged. Every community observed the occasion in the traditional manner. In Invercargill, cold and stormy weather did not deter the citizens from attending the commemoration service in the Civic Theatre in big numbers and all other provincial services were well attended.