Letter: Suffering together, marching together
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I have only recently had sight of your Diary of 17 December and must disagree with the general views expressed in the entry 'We will remember them, on our own'. Fighting soldiers have little difficulty in reconciling with former enemies, especially after a period of 50 years. They remember their erstwhile opponents as suffering the same appalling conditions as themselves. In so far as the customs of war were observed, our enemy in Italy generally behaved honourably.
Your Diary refers to British veterans with a very broad brush. In fact, it was clearly written specifically from the point of view of one organisation alone. The writer does not inform readers that the main grouping of British veterans visiting Italy in May of this year comprises former members of some of the most distinguished British and Commonwealth divisions that fought in Italy; for example, the 78th Division, with its Irish Brigade; the 4th Indian Division, the 8th Indian Division and the New Zealanders; also a strong contingent of the Royal Fusiliers.
These men understand that they will be marching in the same parade as the German contingent. They will all come together in an ambience of reconciliation, as requested by the Mayor of Cassino and the Abbot of Monte Cassino.
Yours sincerely,
BRIAN CLARK
The Monte Cassino
World Veterans' Union
Bray, Co Wicklow
10 January
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments