大象传媒

On this great and historic occasion of the declaration of victory over Germany, after more than five and a half years of bitter struggle, it is fitting that we should rejoice for the success of our arms and the victory of the cause of freedom and the decent way of life. It is fitting too, that our rejoicing should be tempered by a sober sense of thankfulness for the miracle of our deliverance from the grip of a ruthless and evil enemy.
It is hardly yet realised and still less known, how narrow was the margin between disaster and deliverance. But the many years of sacrifice and effort, shared to the full by the citizens of our town, are now reaping the reward.
We may justly be proud of the great contributuion Greenock has made to this long-hoped-for victory. Our town has been throughout a key town and front-line town in the struggle. It did not flinch under the terror of the 'blitz' and it bears the scars of war in shattered homes and saddening record of broken families.
Our citizens have played their part in every war effort and activity. Our thoughts go first to the young men of Greenock who have so worthily upheld the good name of our town in battles on land, on sea, and in the air, in every theatre of this world-wide conflict. All have done their duty. We salute them with pride and humble acknowledgement of the great debt we owe to them. Some will not return. Let us not, on this day of rejoicing, forget their sacrifice or the sorrow of those who mourn for them.
Our men and women alike have toiled in the shipyards, the engineering shops and the factories to turn out the ships by which we live and the implements of war for the fighting fronts.
We have been called upon to give shelter and hospitality to thousands of our own people and of our Allies whom the chances of war have brought to our door.
To the women of Greenock a special word of praise is due, for their magnificent work in every branch of voluntary service. No call on their services was made in vain, and they have deservedly earned the gratitude of the men of our Merchant Navy and of our own and our Allies Fighting Forces for their unceasing work of mercy and comfort.
We take a special pride in the vital part played by the Port of Greenock when our harbours and anchorage held fast the end of life-line that bridged the oceans and brought help and supplies that meant survival.
This is our record. It is a good one. But the celebration of this day is, in the words of the Prime Minister ' a pause for thanksgiving'. There is much still to be done. Japan, that other ruthless enemy, is still to be broken and finally beaten. And there still remains the great task which peace will bring.
But if we can all pull together in the years ahead with the same zeal and single-minded purpose as we have done in the dark years we have left behind the prosperity of this fine old town will be assured.

James A Morrison

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.