Patriotism is not enough …

An unexpected thing happened to me on St Martin's Lane this morning. I have long been a fan of the statue of Edith Cavell, and particularly of the quotation from her, uttered on the eve of her execution for helping 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium: "Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone." She was shot by a firing squad 110 years ago today.

When I put together Writes of Passage: Words to Read Before you Turn 13 (Nosy Crow) I included the quotation, and a note resolving to place flowers on her monument on 12 October. I never did - until today, when I took white roses along to lay at her feet. But when I arrived I discovered uniformed nurses, mayors and a group of other wreath-layers and representatives of the charity for nurses and midwives, Cavell, assembled to pay tribute - as they do every year.
I met Tosh Denholm, the nurse from the Royal London who originated these tributes, back when it was just her and a fellow nurse laying flowers. She and a colleague are seen here (Tosh on the right) in the blue Norman Hartnell-designed uniforms that Tosh wore until the 1990s.

I was invited to join the ceremony. I welled up at the lovely voice of Laura Wickham who led the gathering in singing Cavell's favourite hymn, 'Abide With Me'. I shared the minute's silence. And I was moved to hear Lewis Allett, CEO of Cavell, include these words in his address: "Edith Cavell's story reminds us that compassion can be an act of resistance - that in choosing kindness, we affirm our shared humanity. Her legacy lives on not just in history books, but in hospitals, clinics and communities across the country - wherever nurses and midwives serve with courage and care. As we mark this 110th anniversary, may we each carry a little of Edith's spirit: steadfast, compassionate and unafraid to do what is right."
A morning well spent.