IBMT Film Coordinator Marshall Mateer has compiled a gallery of photographs and messages from members and supporters showing how they marked the International Brigade annual commemoration from home this year.
Flowers in the colours of the Spanish Republican flag, from IBMT member Jane Bernal.
During the pandemic we are restricted in our movements and of gathering together; in 'lockdown' as many of us are, how do we commemorate the volunteers?
This year at the IBMT’s annual commemoration on 4 July, only a few supporters were able to gather in person at Jubilee Gardens. The filmed event saw Jeremy Corbyn lay a wreath on behalf of the IBMT.
'Remembering in a Time of Lockdown' is a collection of personal accounts and images reflecting members’ experiences of the annual commemoration.
Several IBMT members posted images and messages on social media; one picked a bunch of flowers in Republican colours; some went for walks; some stayed quietly at home. All of them remembering: relations who went to Spain in 1936-39; relations who stood against Mosley at home; a friend who was at Jubilee Gardens last year but has since died of the virus. There are quotes and passages of poetry. There are messages from Spain, Australia and the US as well as from around Britain and Ireland.
The slide show, captioned with messages of support, is available to view here.
This is an ongoing project. If you would like to contribute please send your message and if possible a photo or two, to Marshall Mateer (film@international-brigades.org.uk). You will be sent a preview before it is published.
The complete film of the IBMT’s 4 July annual commemoration in London’s Jubilee Gardens, featuring Jeremy Corbyn, can be watched here.
We appeal to members and supporters to give as generously as they have at previous annual ceremonies. Donations can be made via PayPal here.
Posted 20 July 2020.
