Stratford Friends in remembrance vigil for civilians
Quakers in Straford-upon-Avon have held a vigil to remember civillian victims of war
For a second year running, Quakers in Stratford-upon-Avon held a vigil in remembrance of the civilian victims of war.
Roger Matthews, who helped organise the vigils, told the Friend: ‘Last year Stratford Quakers marked the centenary of the end of world war one with a vigil in memory of the civilian victims.’
The vigil also commemorated the relief work of Quakers with civilians during and after the war.
This year’s vigil, like last year’s held on the Monday after Remembrance Sunday, remembered the civilian victims of wars more generally.
According to Roger Matthews: ‘Traditional Remembrance Sunday ceremonies have remembered the military dead, ignoring the great suffering that war brings to civilians as well.
‘It was welcome to hear that for the first time in 100 years the Royal British Legion has recalled civilian as well as military deaths.’
By holding the vigil on Monday, Stratford Quakers said they also recall that people, especially civilians, continue to suffer and die after wars have come to an official end.
