SIGNIFICANCE OF ANZAC DAY

Southland Times, Issue 24420, 28 April 1941, Page 5

SIGNIFICANCE OF ANZAC DAY

Impressive Service

In London

(8.0.W.) RUGBY, April 24. The special significance of this year’s Anzac Day, in view of the stand by the new Anzacs in Greece is epitomized in the following message which FieldMarshal Lord Birdwood sent to the Prime Minister of New Zealand (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser): “Kindest remembrances to all my old comrades of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force now in New Zealand. I know that the thoughts of all of you—as are the thoughts of us in the Old Country—are with our new comrades who fight not only for democracy, but to uphold the Christian religion which, under Hitlerism, would soon be overthrown for pure Nazism. That none' of us will ever tolerate or allow. Every kind wish and God bless New Zealand.” Lord Birdwood also sent the following cablegram to Major-General B. C. Freyberg: “Every kind remembrance and good wishes to all ray old comrades and to the far larger number of

new ones for our Anzac Day. We never forget you. We are one and all full of pride in the great and wonderful service you have done and are doing. We are never in doubt as to your victory though hard days are yet before us all. God bless you one and all.” General Sir Alexander Godley, who commanded the New Zealand Forces in the last war, has also sent messages to Mr Fraser and General Freyberg. CONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE Its great contemporary significance made the Anzac service in St. Martin-in-the-Fields one of the most impressive ever held in London. Those attending included distinguished civil and military leaders and a number of New Zealand and Australian servicemen. The preacher, the Rev. L. D. Groves, of Dunedin, a Chaplain-Captain in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, made a moving appeal to New Zealanders and Australians at home to make even greater sacrifices to help carry the burden of their generation. The New Zealand High Commissioner in London, Mr W. J. Jordan, and the Australian Prime Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, read the lessons. Mr Jordan, Mr S. M. Bruce, the Australian High Commissioner, Field-Marshal Lord Birdwood, who commanded the Anzacs, and Mr Menzies placed wreaths on the Cenotaph. “The Australians and New Zealanders, whether on the land or the sea or in the air have won the admiration of the world as a great warrior race,” said the Dominions Secretary, Lord Cranborne, in an Anzac Day broadcast to Australia and New Zealand. “Even our enemies pay tribute to their powers and the unhappy peoples whose countries have been over-run and whose homes have been ravaged watch them with the eyes of hope.” PROTECTION OF LIBERTY Looking to the future, Lord Cranborne said: “What above all do we want to come out of the present struggle? Most of us would say an enduring peace. There must be economic and military forces ready and prepared. Clearly that will be necessary even in an association of free nations, but the object of this system must be not to restrict but protect the liberties of the people. It is the cause to which we must dedicate ourselves. Anzac Day is for all peoples of the British Empire a day of dedication. It commemorates those who gave up their lives for a great ideal. It is for us to see that they have not died in vain.” Speaking at an Anzac Day luncheon the Greek Minister said: “I am glad to take this opportunity to express the deepest gratitude of my country for the brave and chivalrous help being given to Greece by the forces of the Empire. I am particularly glad to see today representatives of Australia and New Zealand, whose soldiers are fighting so heroically in Greece for the common ideal of liberty.” The inspiring message by Mr R. G. Menzies, to his people was also a message to all countries which love liberty, he said. “I ask him, as well as Mr Jordan, to convey the grateful salute of Greece to Australia and New Zealand.”

After referring to Lord Milne and also to Lord Birdwood, who was present, the Greek Minister continued: “My country, after an heroic resistance of nearly six months, is being over-run by the machines of Germany. This offered a unique chance for the Italians to occupy the abandoned towns and positions and to claim with impudence victories which they have been unable to obtain for many months by themselves. My King and the Greek Government and people were faced with the alternative of surrendering their liberties without a fight or of defending them. They resisted and, with a full knowledge of the ordeals awaiting them, gave everything for liberty. With my head high I address you today because we have done our duty and will continue to do it till the final day of victory.” SERVICE AT APIA (Rec. 9 p.m.) APIA, April 27. The Anzac Day memorial service was held this morning. A large gathering of Europeans and Samoans assembled at the clock tower in Apia. Major the Rev. R. Bartlett, 0.8. E., officiated. The service opened with the National Anthem followed by a prayer lesson and address by Major Bartlett. After the Benediction the ceremony, concluded with the Last Post and the placing of wreaths on the memorial tablet. Returned soldiers and the local defence force in command of Colonel W. Carroll Haley also attended.