A PROUD DAY FOR THE TOWN
Nuneaton praised at moving service for Gurkhas
We are proud of the link with Nuneaton and our sincere thanks to the people of the town for their hospitality. Major Om Pun
NUNEATON was praised for the way it has welcomed almost 2,000 Nepalese families with open arms during a proud and poignant service to commemorate the sacrifice made by Gurkha soldiers.
Over the past 20 years, 1,600 Gurkha families have chosen to make the town their home and this has not gone unnoticed by Dr Durga Bahadur Subedi, the Ambassador of Nepal to the United Kingdom.
He was one of the special guests at the anniversary of the inauguration of the monument to honour the Gurkha soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the British Army, which stands so proudly at the entrance to Riversley Park.
“We admire Nuneaton for the nature and culture it has bestowed, and more importantly it has not only preserved the nature and culture of Nepal but a harmony and co-existence among the people coming from many parts of the world, including Nepal,” he said.
“The ceremony is an example of unique, diverse and rich culture of the Nepalese people and a great example of the integration into society.”
The service was opened by Om Gurung, chair of the Nuneaton and Bedworth branch of the British Gurkha Veterans Association, who was instrumental in the creation of the memorial, who thanked those who helped ensure the event went ahead, saying it will feature on the town’s calendar forever.
“I would like to remind you this service will be held, on the nearest Sunday on April 24 as a lasting tribute to those Gurkha who gave their lives.”
During the hour long, sun-drenched service, Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Mayor, councillor Bill Hancox, said: “It is the third anniversary of the inauguration of the moment, three years ago it was laid to recognise the service and sacrifice the Gurkha soldiers have made.
“In Nuneaton and Bedworth the Nepalese are a really important part of our community, we really work well together and we are proud of the community that you are and also the Gurkha soldiers.”
Addressing the Gurkha community, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Claire Sawdon said: “You are so welcome, your people to be part of our people in this wonderful county of Warwickshire. You are the bravest of the brave, the most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you, professor, they were the words of Sir Ralph Turner, and it sums up what we feel perfectly.
“It is humbling for me, to see the medals that surround us today of your proud, proud people, I would like to thank you for what you do for this country and this town and the world for maintaining peace.”
Major Om Pun, Gurkha Major of the Queens Gurkha Signals, said: “It is great to see so many veterans gathered here at the moment, it stands as a symbol, to help us to acknowledge the sacrifice of our forefathers across the world.
“The monument has a special place in Nuneaton, many Gurkka veterans, they have chose Nuneaton as their hometown. We are proud of the link with Nuneaton and our sincere thanks to the people of the town for their hospitality.” Marcus Jones, Nuneaton’s MP said: “This monument is not just symbolic to who have given the ultimate sacrifice, it is symbolic to the link that there now is between out brave Gurkhas and people of this area, that link dates back around 20 years. People in this area have taken the people of Nepal to their hearts and quite right so. “It (the monument) also represents community, the Gurkhas and the exGurkha soldiers add a massive amount to this area, and I would like to thank you all and say we are enormously proud of you and it is great to have you as our friends.”
This sense of pride was echoed by Alan Franks, the managing director of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, who said: “The vibrant Gurkha community has enhanced the borough immeasurably, we are pleased beyond measure to have them in this borough and value the contribution they make to life in two towns.”
But it was two teenagers; Durlav Katwal and Thomas Cross whose wise words from such young voices resonated with the audience. 13-year-old Durlva read the Gurkha collection, a poem he had written himself, entitled ‘Warriors of Nepal’ and 14-year-old Thomas Cross read a tribute to a Gurkha soldier. Their parts in the ceremony highlighted how next generation in Nuneaton want to pay their respects to the fallen and celebrate the special relationship between the town and the country thousands of miles away.