Remembering James Maley, the soldier who raised his hand

‘The Soldier Who Raised His Hand’ stands as a poignant symbol of the countless individuals who silently bore the horrors of war. It’s remarkable to discover that Scotland’s poetic connection with Spain can be traced back to 1788, as noted by Robert Burns in his ‘Elegy on the Year 1788,’ highlighting the enduring ties between these two nations when he refers to the death of King Charles III of Spain on the line ‘The Spanish empire’s tint a head’.

 

The intertwining of poetry and war is a testament to the powerful emotions evoked by conflict, and how both soldiers and civilians turn to poetry for reflection and catharsis during turbulent times. This poem serves as a tribute to the heroic civilians who risked their lives in pursuit of their ideals, and it’s heartening to see their memory upheld by various groups and annual memorials across Scotland.

 

The upcoming commemoration event on September 16th, 2023, organized by Hope Not Hate Glasgow and the International Brigades Memorial Trust, offers a chance to honour these individuals at the Pasionaria Memorial in Glasgow. Details about this event can be found here: https://international-brigades.org.uk/event/glasgow-annual-commemoration/

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