118
The Ypres Times.
Eight years ago this month occurred the great First Battle of Ypres. In this month
the Ypres Salient was born and thereafter for four long years was the theatre of constant
fighting and perilthe most terrible, the saddest, yet the most glorious battleground
on the British front. It was the experiences of those four years which knit us together
into a brotherhood.
As to the crisis of that First Battle let us recall once more Lord Ypres's impressive
words October 31st and November 1st, 1914, will remain for ever memorable in
the history of our country, for during those two days no more than one thin and straggling
line of tired-out British soldiers stood between the Empire and its practical ruin as an
independent, first-class power."
There were great battles and great deeds on other days. But one day had to be
chosen and so October 31st has been chosen as Ypres Day." The more it is considered,
the more the campaigns are studied, the more that day stands out in special glory, worthy
to represent a thousand and more heroic days in the Salient.
You who have servedyou who were bereaved during those four years defence of
Ypres show that you rememberthat you honour this day by wearing its symbola
cornfloweron Ypres Day.
OCTOBER 31st is YPRES DAY
U Three years ago, after the visit of the Hon. Mackenzie King, M.P. (now Prime
Minister of Canada) to Ypres, he wrote to the then Canadian Minister of Justice
It would be an everlasting shame were Canada to lose the opportunity it appears-
to have at the moment, of acquiring permanent possession of historic tracts, which could
be held as a sacred trust for all time, not only in memory of the honoured dead who have
fallen in those parts, but also as centres of observation from which visitors to the battlefields
through future years may be able to grasp the vast significance of the part played by
Canadians in the winning of the war.
"It is just possible that since the letter I have received was written, some action
may have been taken by the Government. I should be glad indeed to be so informed,
if such is the case. If not, I feel confident that I have only to bring the matter to your
attention to ensure some immediate action being taken by the Government.
Writing in this connection, I should like to express my whole-hearted accord with the
project of erecting at Ypres suitable structures for preserving and exhibiting war memorials
and records illustrative of the work of the Canadian Army, and also of service to visitors
who may be visiting the battlefields with a view to gaining a knowledge of the exploits-
of our soldiers, or who may wish to find the graves of relatives or friends in these areas.
If no appropriation exists for purposes such as here indicated, I should think that Parlia
ment, now assembled, would welcome opportunity to vote whatever may be necessary."
Mr. King is now, and has been for some time, in power, as Prime Minister of the
Dominion. What provision has been made for the erection of a Canadian shrine and
hostel at Ypres Perhaps the League Hostel and Shrine, as it embraces the fighting
forces of the whole British Empire, will have the support of the Canadian Government
OUR PILGRIMAGE NUMBER.
The Special Issue of the YPRES TIMES which was published August 15th, contained
a complete account of the League Pilgrimage to Ypres on July 31st, which was headed
by our President F.-M. the Earl of Ypres. It furnished a full report of the speeches and
there were no fewer than 28 photographic reproductions. Favourable notices of this
Pilgrimage Number have appeared in the leading newspapers of the Empire and it has-
been pronounced a worthy souvenir of a great and significant event. Copies'" may stilL
be obtained from the Secretary of the League, post free 7d.
WEAR A CORNFLOWER ON YPRES DAY—OCTOBER 31st.
