From Unity, 20 October 2007

International Brigade memorial unveiled in Belfast

by Pauline Fraser


On Saturday 13 October the International Brigade veteran Bob Doyle unveiled a memorial dedicated to the people of Belfast, from both communities, who joined the XV International Brigade to fight fascism in Spain, 1936–38, and to those who supported the Spanish working people and their Republic.
     The unveiling coincided with the seventh annual general meeting of the International Brigade Memorial Trust, which was held this year in Belfast.
     A large crowd joined the International Brigaders Jack Jones, Jack Edwards and Bob Doyle, and Amaya and Lola Ruíz, daughter and granddaughter, respectively, of Dolores Ibárruri (La Pasionaria), for the unveiling. It included IBMT members from every part of Ireland and Britain, members of the International Brigades Commemoration Committee, and their supporters from the Belfast labour movement. They heard speeches by Bob Doyle, the last surviving Irish International Brigader, and Amaya Ruíz.
     Bob Doyle brought the anti-fascist struggle up to date with a scathing and comprehensive condemnation of the crimes of imperialism, including the war and occupation of Iraq and the privatisation of public services.
     Amaya Ruíz said that being present at the unveiling was “one of the happiest days of my life.” She added that she had been very moved by the events and paid tribute to the brave men of the International Brigades. She spoke of her mother’s struggle, as the daughter and wife of miners, to bring up her family in poverty. She said that La Pasionaria was “a simple person. The people still remember her and say, ‘What a shame that we don't have another Dolores!’”
     Kevin Doherty of the IBCC spoke of the importance of the memorial, not only as a commemoration of part of the working-class history of Belfast but for its role in the coming together of both traditions. Many events had been held to raise money for the memorial, including concerts and an International Women’s Day event.
     Other speakers at the unveiling included Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development.
     The memorial, which is a sculpture of a brigader’s head wearing the Republican cap, will stand in its permanent site in gardens close to St Ann’s Cathedral.
     The three-day meeting began the previous day with the official opening of an exhibition on the Spanish Civil War in the Linen Hall Library.
     After the unveiling, delegates attended a civic reception and public meeting, presided over by Jack Jones, former general secretary of the T&GWU and honorary life president of the International Brigade Memorial Trust.
     An excellent social and concert held in the lavish surroundings of the Europa Hotel rounded off a highly successful and inspiring day. Highlights of the concert were Tommy Sands, singer and raconteur, and Brenda O’Riordan, a fine Irish harpist.

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