Posted on 08/23/2005 11:30:06 AM PDT by Borges
The 700th anniversary of the death of William Wallace has been marked with a memorial service in the House of Commons.
Among those attending the service in Westminster Hall was historian David Ross, who walked to London to recreate Wallace's last journey.
A candle was lit and there was a rendition of the song "Freedom Come aa ye". A number of SNP members attended.
A series of events also took place across Scotland.
Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered on 23 August, 1305, after being found guilty in Westminster Hall of treason. Since then he has become a cultural icon.
Throughout history the more the authorities of the day have tried to suppress the Wallace legend the more that it has grown
Angus Robertson, SNP MP for Moray, said: "The event today was a particularly poignant memorial to William Wallace who faced his show trial in the Hall before his execution.
"It is important for Scots everywhere to remember his sacrifice and ensure that Scotland remains a nation."
Angus MacNeil, MP for the Western Isles (Na H-Eileanan an Iar), added: "Today I felt inspired and proud to celebrate a Scottish Hero. We are the political heirs of William Wallace."
Establishment 'scared stiff'
At a separate commemorative service in St Bartholomew's church in Smithfield, SNP leader Alex Salmond said: "Seven hundred years on and William Wallace still has the establishment scared stiff.
"Note the absence of any official commemoration planned for today, the anniversary of the execution of Scotland's greatest national hero.
"And yet the event has been marked, not by official ceremony, but only by the activities of the many grassroots Wallace societies, which still flourish the length and breadth of Scotland.
William Wallace was hung, drawn, quartered and beheaded
"Throughout history the more the authorities of the day have tried to suppress the Wallace legend the more that it has grown."
Mr Salmond also called for Scottish history to be taught in every Scottish school and for the Saltire to be raised at every public building in the country on 23 August every year.
The SNP is also asking for a permanent memorial to Wallace to be installed at the Scottish Parliament.
'Wee cog'
Mr Ross, who is president of the William Wallace Society, walked from Robroyston, Glasgow, where Wallace was captured, to London where he was executed.
Describing his journey as "tough" he said it was "an experience never to be repeated".
"It was my way of raising awareness," he said. "I am just a cog in the machine, a wee cog. I don't really matter.
The Royal Mile was given a new name to mark the anniversary
"It's the history of Scotland and where Scotland's going in the future that matters.
"This was a man that died for Scotland and its people and every single generation of Scots should recognise that."
In Edinburgh, a group calling itself the "Irrepressible Wing of Scotland's Frank Zapatistas" marked the day by putting up new street signs on Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
The former was called "William Wallace Street" and the latter "The Wallace Mile".
PING, You should let the Captain know about this, he may be interested.
ping for you
Scotland Forever ping
"F R E E D O M !! Does anybody have a Tums?"
Seriously, BUMP for brave men with the b*lls to do what's right!
And the Celtic Pride & Gall to show 'em off*!!
*At least, that is what the movie Braveheart depicted with the Highlanders "sunning" the English by lifting up their kilts.
Scots Wha Hae!
ping
I'd hate to bust everyone's bubble, but William Wallace was not Scottish, though he did fight for the Scottish crown (and not "freedom"). He was Welsh. "Wallace" is a Gaelic derivative of "Welsh." His father was a minor nobleman in Wales who was given some land in Scotland for his role in the wars against France. And I'm certain the king wished he hadn't.
Yes, and I'm still getting over this knowledge. An expert on the Gaels told it to me about a year ago, and I'm still recovering. This is what happens when one spends a lot of time around experts, which erodes the hold the media has on one's preconceptions.
At least Western societies have given up on such barbaric practices....not so in the Middle East where enlightened Islam makes such fare into video tapes for mass entertainment.
I thought Wallace was betrayed by Scot "Nobleman" or did the movie use literary license.
Great pic!
It was actually, acording to some reading I did, one of Wallace's servants who gave away his location to the English.
Ping!
Indeed!
The Scots and the English have discovered the message of "FREEDOM!" in Gibson's tale of William Wallace. For me, personally, "Braveheart" was an allegory of Barry Goldwater (as Wallace) and Ronald Reagan (as Bruce).
Alba go Bragh!
"A leader not a ruler"
FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!
What a great movie Braveheart was. I watched it two days ago, for the first time. On another occasion I was going to watch it, but didn't because of the bloody violence. Since that time the terrorists with all of their savagery, have toughened me up enough so that I was able to watch it. I'm glad I did. Mel Gibson was awesome. William Wallace was an amazing man!</p>
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.