Let's have something military in place of tank
Published Date: 14 May 2009
While sympathising with the sentiment expressed by your correspondent in the Herald
(May 8) about a replacement for the tank on the seafront by The Redoubt Museum that
was removed last month I am saddened by his attitude.
Incidentally, it was not
a World War II tank as stated, but a Centurion Mk 3 tank used during the Korean War.
His
views like all ideals are great to strive for but often not so great if realised.
We all hope for "peace, tolerance and love for our neighbours" but that is not the
way of the world, and never will be. But that is the wish of every soldier about
to go into action.
Personally, I was sorry to see the tank go but understand the reasons
for it. In 1953, when I was a national service trooper just 18 years old and about
to join the 8th Royal Irish Hussars, I started training on this very model of the
Centurion on the Yorkshire moors.
So it has a special place in my memory and I
enjoyed climbing on it, before it was fenced in, and shutting my eyes – I could touch
its cold surface and reach for the familiar hatch, then, for one brief moment I could
transport myself back to those days.
It may well be a time to put something else in
place of the tank, or nothing at all. However, it was there to draw attention to
The Redoubt and the military museum therein, which is probably the finest military
museum in the region.
The Redoubt itself is a visual symbol of our defiance against
a potential aggressor and our determination to protect our freedoms and independence.
History
teaches us that weakness is never respected and there are times when it is necessary
to stand up and be counted. The British people know about this and our military museums
are a reminder of our achievements and the need to remain vigilant.
Whether we like
it or not, we do have a fine military record and one that no other country can match.
Time and again our forces have had to defend our freedoms and come to the rescue
of others.
We would do well to remember that through their efforts we are able
to enjoy the lives we have today, and we should be justifiably proud of their achievements
and the sacrifices that they have made.
It would therefore be appropriate to have
something military in place of the tank, and I hope that is what the people of Eastbourne
will expect to see.
Michael Wardroper, Lt Colonel (retd)
Time for a symbol of peace instead of reminder of war
Published Date: 08 May 2009
Re the article about that tank on the seafront being removed (April 24) and a search
for a replacement.
How about a radical change? Let's have a plough, or its modern equivalent (see
the Bible, Isaiah 2v4). Perhaps we need to stop thinking that war is the first alternative.
Let's try peace, it may not be easy, but it is certainly worthwhile.
We are now, as you know, in the 21st Century, perhaps we need to take a lead in
this. Britain has often led the world in new innovations, why don't we try this.
Peace doesn't create wimps, Jesus and his Apostles were not, the same with thousands
of Christians through history.
What about Martin Luther King? Perhaps it is now time to show a different face.
We have enough war machines as memorials.
Let us embrace peace, with tolerance and love for our neighbours.
Mr I Masson, address supplied
