INNOCENT VICTIMS

This memorial is said to embody suffering on a scale before which ‘language stumbles and falls silent in the face of the horror and pity’, according to the Dean of Westminster, Michael Mayne, in his speech of dedication.

‘It seeks to broaden our understanding of what has been done - and is being done daily - in the bloodiest centuries to those who are our brothers and our sisters..’

‘This new stone speaks for those who have been in the way of invading armies, pawns in a thousand messy wars.’

Long titles suggest an uncertain focus and perhaps a unclear purpose. Like many such memorials with apparently good intentions those who contributed to the 'horror' are rarely identified. Falling silent in the face of horror is perhap the last thing we should do.

 Memorial to Innocent Victims of Oppression, Violence and War. Courtyard of Westminster Abbey. Unveiled 11 October 1996.