Remembering the war dead

Representatives of local Veteran's Associations

SOLDIERS and civilians who died in conflict were remembered in Malaga last Sunday, as part of Remembrance Day services held all over the world.

Coinciding with the centenary of the start of the First World War, members of the public gathered at St George’s Anglican Church in Malaga to commemorate the British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts.

The service was attended by the British Consul, representatives of the RAF, members of the Royal Australian Airforce, Royal Airforces Association, Royal Naval Association, Royal British Legion and Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

Tributes on Remembrance Sunday

THE Royal British Legion (RBL) held its Remembrance Service event on Sunday, November 9, in the Nerja Caves lower salon.

People from several different countries were present, including Captain Del Hamilton and his wife Tina. They came from Edinburgh to represent the Personnel Recovery Centre which Nerja RBL has supported and will continue to do. 

Also present were friends from Belgium where many of the battles of the First World War were fought and where even now the land is so contaminated that children cannot drink the milk which comes from cows grazing there.

The funds raised from raffles on Remembrance Day and the Poppy Ball held the previous Friday, will go to the RBL 2014 Poppy Appeal in support of its work for ex-service and serving personnel and their families.

Below are some of the comments from people who attended the service.

“After 21 years of standing in the cold and rain of a Scottish November, yesterday was a stark contrast in every way. As Headteacher of a rural primary school, I always tried to instil in my pupils an understanding and respect for Remembrance Sunday. 

“Being part of yesterday’s event gave me time for reflection and a better understanding of what has been done by all who have served their country. A moving tribute, by Mike Holt, to the role played by horses brought me to tears. 

“Sitting in the bright sunshine of a Spanish day could not have been more of a contrast to the mud and rain of the Somme and should perhaps more than anything humble us remembering the sacrifice of the fallen.”

Pat MacCowan

 

“Standing outside on the terrace looking at the sun glinting silver on the Mediterranean, it was a jolt to remember that even such an idyllic scene was witness to death and sacrifice in the First and Second World Wars, both for sailors, airmen and soldiers on, under and over the self-same sea.

“While this year is focused on the anniversary of the First World War, we can’t forget that forces are disengaging from Afghanistan, where more than 400 service personnel have given their lives. Having Captain Del Hamilton present starkly reminded us that while we have a debt to the dead, we have a serious obligation to the living who have suffered terribly as a result of their service.”

Rod MacCowan

 

“As Americans, making our first visit to Spain, we were honoured and blessed to participate in this Remembrance Service. All of the living can only be thankful to all that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their families were left to experience the real personal pain.  We do remember them!”

Erik and Kathy Skon, Stillwater, Minnesota, USA

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