FUNNY THING 'MEMORY'
As a nation we seem particularly adept at portraying our glorious history. We have recently, in the days and weeks leading up to June 6, 2004, been taken back in time. Taken back to witness scenes of carnage and courage as we followed, step by step, the build up to, and horrific scenes generated by, what would be the beginning of the end of World War Two, and the triumph of justice over tyranny. Some of the events, which took place sixty years ago, and were recounted by survivors, were, indeed, horrific. None of the brave survivors seemed to have any trouble in recalling just where, they, or their comrades in arms were nor in recalling what took place in the ensuing battles - nor, indeed, has anyone presumed to suggest that these memories might, due to the passage of time, be inaccurate. The moving pictures of thousand upon thousand of white crosses in various, well tended locations throughout Europe, and the tears of the grown men standing beside them, as they recalled events leading up to many of their mates dying and being interred there tugged at many a heartstring. The crosses, however, raise a salient point – for, at the very least, they are physical reminders of where their brave comrades are buried, and where, annually or whenever, they can gather and remember. Today, also in some cases exactly sixty years after the event, historical survivors of abuse whilst in care, bravely recount the traumas and horrors faced as they were incarcerated and suffered abuse in numerous Homes and Orphanages throughout the country.
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Unfortunately, too, there are lots less than the thousands of crosses, in well tended locations, marking the passing of those who died - some as mere children. In fact, in some instances there appear to be no records at all!
Now grown men and women, these historical survivors do not have any focal point they can retreat to and see the resting place of friends or, in some cases, family. These grown men and women have also shed tears, copious amounts, as they try to overcome their fear by coming forward and speaking out against their abusers. These tears, it must be said, are sometime tears of anger and frustration. Anger and frustration at the persistent denial or the apparent lack of interest, on the part of the ‘Establishment’ and what, at times, could be perceived as a conspiracy to ensure their silence. At least in Ireland some cognisance has been given to their claims, and credibility. In America the Catholic Church has, literally, put itself in hock paying compensation to victims of abuse thought it must be said, not always of ‘abuse in care’. In Australia a hard fought for Senate Enquiry is due to produce it’s findings. We, however, are not in Ireland, the USA nor Australia – though some of our members are - and this is not the time to introduce the (connected) subject of Child Migration into the equation. We are in Scotland where little recognition has yet been given to these allegations - by Church or State. But, fear not, and take solace from the fact that our current First Minister is going to look at how other countries have dealt / are dealing with the problem [word used advisedly]. And, of course, our legal system is presently hearing Test Cases against a ‘Time Bar’ Alas, however, it would seem that historical abuse is not to be considered a part of our (Scottish) history – no doubt because it might be perceived as being less than ‘glorious’. Confirming the decision to reject a petition to hold a public inquiry the First Minister is reported as making the following comment; “This is historical abuse. We want to concentrate on helping victims move forward and not re-open old wounds” Nevertheless, our historical survivors are a part of our history (glorious or otherwise) - and they will not be going away. In the end, justice will triumph. |