Remembrance
For almost fifty years, a corner of the Defence Forces Cemetery in Estonia was given over to the disposal of fallen Autumn leaves. Mourners would routinely add dead flowers to the pile when they came to tend the graves, not knowing that this tip was the last resting-place of fifteen British servicemen, who died during the Estonian war of independence in 1918.
When Soviet forces reoccupied Estonia at the end of World War II, they destroyed the headstones that stood over the British graves.
On Armistice day, NATO forces currently stationed in Estonia will gather on that site, which is now restored to its original purpose. When the act of remembrance is concluded, a few will pray also at a solitary grave nearby, the burial site of Linda Soomre, who was superintendent of the cemetery for thirty-five years.
At personal risk, Linda Soomre created a refuse-tip where the fallen British servicemen were buried, to ensure that there should be no further desecration. That the graves of fallen soldiers should have been shrouded by Autumn leaves is to me both touching and appropriate. The annual burning of dead leaves brings to mind the half-forgotten memories of men who died far from home. In the corner of every memory there is a place where the flames of sacrifice may be fanned into remembrance and repentance.
Stiiv Knowers (Revd) – Tallinn
