Monument recognising fallen soldiers to be unveiled

Thirty years after the massacre, a monument will be unveiled today, Friday, October 25, to remember the Grenadian soldiers who died in the line of duty on both October 19 and 25, 1983.

The announcement was made by Dr. Terrence Marryshow, chairman of the Maurice Bishop and October 19th 1983 Martyrs Foundation, during the annual service held at the Fort George to remember those who were killed on October 19, 1983 as a result of internal conflict within the senior members of the Grenada Revolution.

Chairman of the Maurice Bishop and October 19th
1983 Martyrs Foundation, Dr. Terrence Marryshow. 

“This year to mark the 30 years since this atrocities, we will be remembering the soldiers who died for this country,” he said.

The monument will be located in the central cemetery and be inscribed with the names of the 13 soldiers who died.

The US government has a similar monument with the names of the 19 soldiers who died in Grenada during the invasion. It is located at the St. George’s University (SGU).

For the first time in 30 years, the National Celebrations Committee has organised a week of activities to commemorate the October 1983 atrocities, which ended the island’s revolutionary period and re-established a democratic Government to the island.

Besides the National Celebrations Committee events, there are other private initiatives to commemorate both October 19 – the day that former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, several of his cabinet colleagues and civilians were killed; and October 25 – the day the US military invaded Grenada and eventually collapsed the revolutionary government.

The Committee will be holding the annual church service at the St. John Anglican Church from
10 a.m. and at 1 p.m., wreaths will be laid at the St. George’s cemetery. As with tradition, wreaths will be laid at the SGU monument at 5 p.m.

Last week, Grenadians had the opportunity to view “Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution”. Directed by Bruce Paddington, this comprehensive, gripping and revealing documentary tells the story of the Grenada Revolution. The film features extensive, previously unseen file footage, as well as old and new interviews with many of the key players of the time.

Observing under the theme, “Thirty years of Peace and Stability: Bringing families together”, the week began on Thursday, October 17, with a history quiz in all schools and an exhibition of the revolutionary period at the National Museum on October 18. (LS)