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IBMT Annual Commemoration 2013

The annual commemoration by the IBMT for the 2500 volunteers from Great Britain and Ireland who went to Spain to fight fascism and support democracy between 1936 and 1939, was held at the International Brigades memorial, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, London on 6th July 2013. 250 people gathered in bright sunshine on London's South Bank to commemorate the men and women from Great Britain and Ireland who went to Spain to support the Spanish Republic - 526 British and Irish volunteers died. They were part of International Brigades - 35,000 men and women from over 50 countries - who went to Spain to support the Spanish Republic, oppose fascism and stand up for democracy. Orations were given for the last two volunteers still living in the UK who had died since last year - for Lou Kenton by his son John Kenton and for David Lomon by his son Irving Lomon. There were also orations for three supporters of the IBMT: for Annette O'Riordan by Marlene Sidaway; for Dolly West-Shaer by Jim Jump and for Mick Jones by Rodney Bickerstaffe. The annual ceremony of wreath laying was followed by a minute's silence and the traditional singing of the 'Jarama Valley' led by Grace Petrie: "So before we continue this reunion, Let us stand to our glorious dead." 2013 is the 75th anniversary of the battle of the Ebro - the last great battle of the Spanish Civil War, where more than 90 British and Irish volunteers died, and a battle which many regard as the first battle of the Second World War. Catalans UK assembled a choir especially for the event and sang 'Si Me Quieres Escriber', 'Ay Carmela', 'The Immigrant' and the Catalan anthem 'Els Segadors' (The Reapers) which was banned throughout the period of Franco's regime. Professor Paul Preston spoke of "historical memory [as] the first step to reconciliation" for Spain and introduced Jordi Palou-Loverdos, Director of Catalonia's Memorial Democratic who brought a message of support from the Catalan parliament. He spoke movingly about the work of the Memorial Democratic and how it could help to bring about reconciliation: "in favour of trust; in favour of justice; in favour of solidarity". Mick Whelan General Secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers union, highlighted a theme running through many of the days contributions - that, the volunteers set an example in standing up against racism, fascism and injustice that was still, and increasingly, relevant today. It was reported that the International Brigades memorial in Madrid is under threat of removal following a petition by a lawyer with right wing connections and a subsequent ruling by the Madrid regional high court. In an impassioned speech Almudena Cros of AABI (a Spanish International Brigades friendship group) called for support in fighting the threat and having the memorial retained in memory of those who fought, in the words of La Pasionaria, for "solidarity and the universality of democracy." To shouts of 'No Pasaran', Grace Petrie, launched into her own song 'They Shall Not Pass' - originally composed in 2012 for an IBMT event. Better news was given that the information plaque describing the International Brigades in Nottingham which had been removed was to be reinstated by the Labour Council. The commemorative event concluded with everyone singing the 'The Internationale': " So comrades, come rally, And the last fight let us face. The Internationale, Unites the human race.' In the afternoon many people went to the 'Camel and Artichoke' public house nearby where there was a presentation of songs and readings to celebrate the births of Michael Foot, Evelyn Jones and Jack Jones - all born 100 years ago in 1913. The IBMT - the International Brigades Memorial Trust - keeps alive the memory of those who went to Spain to aid the Spanish Republic, support democracy and fight against fascism. Find out more and support our work www.international-brigades.org.uk