Page 7 - BNVTA News November 2020

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A message from the Revd. Sian Gasson, nuclear test descendant and Vicar of St Gabriel & St Cleopas, Liverpool.
It was a real privilege to be asked to lead the short service at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) for National Atomic Veterans’ Awareness Day on October 3rd.
The journey from Liverpool to Lichfield, by train, was one of the rainiest I have ever experienced, but I was grateful that the relevant trains weren’t cancelled because of the weather.
Gradually, in the entrance area of the NMA building, a group of us started to gather together – veterans, descendants, family and friends – and we were well looked after and entertained by the staff, who even provided umbrellas for the afternoon (which were gratefully received except by one gentleman who had already bought a rather fetching black brolly with a red poppy memorial design in the gift shop).
My only previous visit to the NMA was about eight years ago with a group of Manchester High School pupils, when I found the unassuming Nuclear Veterans’ tribute, so it was a really pleasant surprise this year to see a much larger memorial, flanked by beautiful eucalyptus trees. In fact, even through the driving rain, it was clear to see how
much the grounds have been developed and how the beautiful plants have matured.
The short service, which the BNTVA Chaplain, Very Revd. Nicholas Frayling, provided as he spent NAVAD with the Portsmouth nuclear test veterans, included a reading from 1 Peter 1 vv3-9. Peter talks about how we have to suffer various trials, testing the genuineness of our faith, but how this is more precious than gold when tested by fire. I think that is true for all of us who stood dripping wet around the memorial, and true for all those affected in any way by the horrors of nuclear testing.
It is hard for us to see what good can come of all this, but, when we go through difficulties, even suffering, we come out more aware of what is important in life. Peter knew what it was to live through the storms of life, to experience real fear, and, eventually, to pay the ultimate sacrifice. He also knew that he couldn’t endure this on his own, and drew on
his faith in Jesus Christ to discover an indescribable joy and an eternal hope. That promise is there for all of us, too, and we will see glimpses of it as we encourage each other, stand together to fight for justice, and comfort each other in the storms.
It was very moving to listen in silence to the Last Post and Reveille, played by Antonio Socci, the bugler (even in the adverse weather conditions, he played perfectly), to lay wreaths and pay our respects, individually and as a community. We also stood in Portsmouth, as they had a similar ceremony, led by the Very Revd. Nicholas Frayling.
Some friendships were made
that afternoon, and many were deepened. I will continue to pray for more understanding of these tragedies, and for the right people in the right places to speak out for justice.
We will remember them.
Revd Sian Gasson
CAMPAIGN AUTUMN 2020