QUEEN’S MESSAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 188, 12 August 1941, Page 5

QUEEN’S MESSAGE

‘ SMILING THROUGH” , FRIENDS IN AMERICA GENEROSITY AN INSPIRATION TO BRITISHERS Rugby. Aug, 10. Broadcasting from Buckingham Palace to-night to the American nation. Her Majesty the Queen, said it was just over two years since she had spoken to the American people. “My purpose then was to thank my countless friends for their many kindnesses. It is to those same friends and of even greater kindness that I want to speak to-day. “We, like yourselves, love peace and I have not devoted the years behind us ! to planning death and destruction. As yet. save in the valour of our people, we have not matched our enemies. It is only now that we are beginning to marshal around us, in their full strength, the devotion of the resources of our great British Family of Nations which will, in the end. please God. assuredly prevail. “Through these waiting months a heavy burden is being borne by ou" people and as I go amongst them I marvel at their unshakable constancy. Tn many cities their homes lie in ruins as so many of those ancient buildings which you know and love hardly less than us. Women and children have been killed. Even sufferers in hospitals have not: been spared. Yet hardship has only steeled our hearts and strengthened our resolution. “Wherever I go I see bright eyes and smiling faces for. though our road is stony and hard, it is straight, and vve know we fight in a great cause. America’s Great Help “It is not our way, in dark days. Io turn for support to others, but even , had we been minded so to do your instant help would have forestalled us. The warmth and sympathy of American generosity has touched beyond measure the hearts of all of us living and fighting in these islands. Unless you have seen, as I have seen, just how your gifts have been put to use, you cannot know the solace you have brought the men and women of Britain who are suffering and toiling in the cause of freedom. “Here in Britain our women are working in the factory and field, turning the lathe and gathering the harvest. for we must have food as well as munitions. Their courage is magnificent and their endurance amazing. “I have seen them in many different activities. They are serving in their thousands with tire Navy, Army and Air Force, driving heavy lorries, cooking. cyphering, and typing—every one working cheerfully and bravely under all conditions. Many are on the land, driving a plough, and making a grand job of it. Others are air-raid wardens and ambulance drivers. Thousands of undaunted women quietly and calmly face the terrors of the night bombings, bringing strength and courage to the people they protect. , “Though I speak for all in Britain in thanking all you in America. I feel that I would like to send a special message of thanks to the American women. It gives us strength to know you have not been content to pass on the other side. “To us, in our time of tribulation, you have surely shown that compassion which has been the mark of a good neighbour for thousands of years. Believe me—and I am speaking for the millions who know better but are also proud of the sorrow of war—we are grateful. We shall not: forget you* sacrifices. Inspiring Sympathy “Your sympathy is inspiring. It springs not only from our common speech and traditions, hut even more I from our common ideals. io you tyranny is as hateful as to urt to you the things for which we will tight o the death are no less sacred and to mv mind, your generosity is boin of your conviction of your high resolre that, however great the cost and however Jong the Struggle, justice, freedom. human dignity, and kindness shall not perish from the earth. “I look to the day when we shall go forward, hatid in hand, to build a better kinder and happier world for our children. May God bless you all. —8.0.W.