The Icelandic Canadian - 01.10.1942, Page 12

8
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
it by making the supreme sacrifice if
necessary. Their patriotism is fully
shared by their families. I have met
thousands of women whose menfolk
have fallen in battle and I have never
yet heard one word of regret. Sorrow’,
of course, inevitably; but in place of
regret an immense pride that they havr
given their all for their country.”
The stoic calm of the Icelander is
deep-rooted. It goes far back—to the
days of the sagas. It now serves ur
well. Centuries ago our forefathers
decided what was worse than death. If,
in a measure that resolve, carried out
on the field of battle, and in sturdy
Viking ships, has been imbedded in the
hearts of us, their descendants, a valu-
able contribution has been made tr
Canadian citizenship.
The pride which the Icelandic Can-
adian takes in his ancestry and the
rapidly growing affection in his heart for
his new native land combine to produce
in him a wider vision, a keener appreci-
ation of the essential unity of man. It
gives our patriotism an international
tinge. That is all to the good, especially
in these times.
When the complete record has been
written of the Icelandic Canadians dur-
ing their first three generations in
Canada it will be found that the
greatest contribution they made in that
period, even greater than that of the
pioneers themselves, was the ready and
voluntary part they played in the world
struggle which will decide the course
of man on earth for centuries to come.
We know where we stand, and we are
determined not to falter. When the
twilight of our brief stay on earth
approaches, where or whenever it ma'1
be, we shall find comfort in that, at a
time when we were more or less in a
transition stage, it was given to us to
see the international scene and to play
our part in the light of that larger
vision.
Westminster Lights In The Rain
Westminster lights are star gems
Low anchored in the night;
Chips of broken diadems,
Blurred balloons of light.
Where the narrow bridge lies dreaming
In a twisted rainbow arc,
Westminster lights are gleaming
Like Jewels in the dark.
Where the Fraser sings its olden
Slumbrous dream refrain,
Westminster lights are golden
Through a filigree of rain.
We invite you to become a member of The Icelandic f
Canadian Club. Membership fee $1.00 per year. !
Treas,: Elin Eggertson, j
919 Palmerston Ave., Winnipeg. !
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