This will be submitted by the Labour group to the full meeting of Tower Hamlets council on November 27:
Motion on Centenary of WW1
Proposer: Cllr Sirajul Islam
Seconder: Cllr Rachael Saunders
This Council Notes:
– That 2014 will mark the centenary of World War One.
– As time passes the personal memory of this event diminishes.
– This was the first major conflict of the modern era in which civillain communities were attacked and this included Londoners.
– Remembrance Sunday represents a unique and important point each year where we commemorate all of those who have and continue to fight for our country, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
– We should also note the sacrifice and suffering of civilian communities.
This Council Believes:
– It is important to our sense of community and legacy that the memory and knowledge of those events is never lost.
– It is an important part of our cultural heritage to remember and share in the great history of our country and the contribution of East Enders.
– That an appreciation of the decisions of the past gives us a better understanding of the world.
– That the centenary presents an opportunity to share in collective commemoration of the role of East End communities.
This Council resolves:
– To note the contribution and sacrifice of East Enders, both as civilians and as members of our and our allies Armed Forces.
– To call upon the Speaker of the Council to work with the Head of Paid Service to organise a high profile commemorative event for next year’s World War One centenary.
Oh, wow, Ted, you’ve got hold of a series of Labour motions all in favour of motherhood and apple pie.
Of course, the new Chairman of the Tower Hamlets Poppy Appeal is the Limehouse Tory councillor Craig Aston – he’s gone and raised £105,000 for the Poppy Appeal in 2012-13 and looks on course to break that this year – he’s actually doing something, while Labour and Rahman vie to claim all the credit – when are you going to recognise the Tory effort in doing something rather than just Labour/Rahman self-congratulatory council motions?
Not quite sure about the tone of that comment….am just publishing of what’s being proposed for debate next week.
Brilliant work by Craig.
I understand Lutfur’s campaigner in Bow is working behind the scenes for a big event in Victoria Park for the WW1 anniversary.
Whatever is done should be low cost, low key, somber and full of dignity…and devoid of photo opps.