5th October 2018 Skopje, North Macedonia
“End of the war to end all wars”
If your travel in the southern part of Macedonia near Dojran these days you can enjoy the warm climate even in the autumn, the soft weather and the sun rays. Nothing reveals the scale of the battle here a century ago. But if you take a tour of Dojran or travel near Rabrovo you will see the memorials of those fallen in the war and the locations of the battlefields where they fought.
The Salonica Campaign is sometimes referred to as the Forgotten War. But for the people in this region and for those, including from the UK, who come for battlefield study tours it is rightly very famous.
We were especially proud for the attention it got this week by being honoured to host His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent who paid a visit to Greece and Macedonia as part of the UK global efforts in marking the centenary of the First World War.
With thanks to the enthusiasm of Glenn Stennes, a retired member of the Canadian Army who now lives in Macedonia, His Royal Highness received a historical overview of the Battles of Dojran and Kosturino, with specific reference to a number of British and Irish formations including the 10th Irish Division.
The Duke paid respects to the fallen from the 10th Irish Division by laying a wreath at their Memorial.
In Skopje, His Royal Highness attended a ceremony at the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery. Our partners in Macedonia joined the service – the Deputy Defence Minister Bekim Maksuti, senior military representatives, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the ambassadors and diplomats of the countries that took part in the First World War.
The centenary is an occasion to pause and reflect that the 20th century was a time when Europe suffered the most; and learned about the tragedy and human cost of conflict. We know that reconciliation is never easy but is unavoidable. Dialogue is painstaking but is necessary.
Every November we hold the Service of Remembrance paying respect to all who have lost their lives in conflict and war. This November we will keep the tradition as we mark Armistice Day and remember all that gave their todays for our tomorrows.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.