THE MAYOR of Worcester has launched an impassioned plea to remember the lives of Indian, Pakistani and other Commonwealth soldiers who died during the two World Wars with a wreath in their memory.
Speaking to the Observer, Coun Allah Ditta called for the sacrifice of such soldiers to be remembered at future Remembrance commemorations to let their ancestors in the community know their brave actions were honoured.
Worcester’s first citizen said he hoped his bid would win the support of the many Commonwealth countries represented in the city including members of the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities.
Currently no wreath is laid on Remembrance Sunday to remember their sacrifice and Coun Ditta said the idea for a further wreath or wreathes was brought home to him during this year’s commemorations.
“It only occurred to me when I was laying a wreath we didn’t have any representation for the Commonwealth countries involved in the conflicts,” he said.
“I accept it was remiss of me and I could have done something prior to this but nevertheless it’s never too late to try and put it right.
“I want to try and put it into stone so in future we will lay a wreath during the Remembrance commemorations of the many Indian, Pakistan and other Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives.
“We do at the Astwood Road Cemetery a week after but I think we need to do something during the Remembrance weekend itself.
“If no one is willing to take it on, I am quite happy to do it next year on behalf of the Commonwealth and the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities, all of who suffered a tragic loss of life during the wars,” Coun Ditta added.
A further wreath to represent all the Commonwealth countries or multiple wreathes could be laid in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, according to Coun Ditta.
“The Cathedral does a wonderful job with the lighting of the candles for all faiths so we can raise awareness of how important we recognise these sacrifices. We do it in London so there is no reason we can’t do it here in Worcester.
“I am sure we it owe it to them and their ancestors to know we remember them and their brave sacrifice,” he added.
