“The destruction of the previous monument was a major disappointment but from it has come a focus on this memorial, the occasion of its unveiling and dedication, and the history of our village and our Polish Allies. Anyone who has been spurred to learn a little more about the history of Poland and especially the part played by Poland during WW2 cannot fail to be made aware of how brave its people are, and how badly they were treated by enemies and allies alike. We think we have, in our own small way, put things right. The old memorial, was crafted by a skilled village craftsman, and now it has been replaced with a new one, crafted by today’s skilled village craftsmen, helped by less skilled but no less industrious volunteers from the village, we have together created something to be proud of. Something that will stand for many years as testament of our thanks to brave Polish Paratroopers who sacrificed everything for our shared freedom and were once, and will always be, Villagers of Easton. Sometimes it takes a village to do the right thing.”
“The weekend was an historic occasion and an unqualified success. We estimate over 250 people attended the parade, and the unveiling and dedication, including villagers, visitors, and guests from Polish and UK Paratroop Brigades, Consuls from the Polish Embassy, and members of the Polish Institute of Remembrance from Warsaw. The date (23rd Sept) was particularly significant as it was the 82nd Anniversary of the 1st Independent Polish Paratroop Brigade. Villagers and visitors mingled with our guests and the re-enactors of “First to Fight” who camped in the garden of the Blue Bell over the weekend and gave us all an opportunity to learn more, understand better, and show our appreciation to our Polish friends. Prof Hal Sosaboski gave a fascinating talk about his Great Grandfather to a packed audience in our newly redecorated Village Hall, and in the evening our local singing group “Harmony on the Hill” sang a Polish Folk song (in Polish) along with a wartime medley to entertain our guests, which was very warmly received. We shared Polish food and English beers well into the night while “A Bridge Too Far” played in the background. Thanks are due to many, many, people locally for volunteering and providing facilities and effort to make this all happen, along with our gratitude to our Polish visitors for attending and arranging the dedication.
Special thanks must go to Ian Lawson who masterminded the reconstruction of the memorial and liaised with our Polish guests on the organisation of the event."
Tim Nicol, Chairman of Easton on the Hill Parish Council.
|
|
