FALLEN SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL. (Foxton)
The proceedings opened with the hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” The Mayor then unveiled the memorial, and paid a tribute to the memory of the honoured dead.
The Rev. Thomas Halliday offered up a dedication prayer. The hymn, “Rock of Ages,” was sung. The Rev. Mr Raine delivered a short and appropriate address. He said: “We have with us the spirits of those men who fought and died for us – ‘wherefore, seeing that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,’ let us be worthy of their sacrifice. This column will stand as a perpetual memory of the glorious past. When your children pass this stone and ask what does this mean, we surely must reply:
(1). That this stone stands as an ever reminder of Almighty God, because he gave us the victory.
(2) Of the noble sacrifice made by young men of New Zealand for King, Empire and honour.”
The hymn, “For All the Saints,” was then sung, after which the “Last Post” was played by Mr Beale. The Benediction and National Anthem concluded a very impressive ceremony. The Salvation Army Band accompanied the singing.
Manawatu Herald Saturday 3 June 1920
