RNLI Chairman’s memorial opening speech
Your Royal Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests,
Thank you all for attending this historic ceremony, as we officially dedicate the
RNLI memorial. It will ensure the sacrifices made by all our lifeboat crew
members – and other courageous volunteers – will never be forgotten.
There are 778 names inscribed on this plinth. 778 people who lost their own
lives in the cause of saving others at sea. Some of those tragedies occurred
in the earlier days of the Institution – the days when horses, not tractors,
pulled carriages to the shore; the days when oars, rather than engines,
propelled lifeboats to the rescue.
Others, though, occurred in living memory, and the sadness is still all too
keenly felt. From The Mumbles in South Wales to Longhope in the Orkneys;
from Fraserburgh in the north east of Scotland to Penlee in the south west of
England. Many of you here today have close family and friends who were lost
in lifeboat tragedies – and the RNLI is especially grateful that you are here
with us today.
Since the RNLI began, the charity has always recognised those who have
played a part in saving others at sea. And, of course, not all of those people
were lifeboat crews. This memorial reflects that, because the list of names
includes station personnel, shore helpers, independent lifeboat crew
members, coastguards, firemen and, in one case, a helicopter winchman.
All those lost are remembered proudly in each of their local communities. But
until now there has never been a single RNLI memorial dedicated to all those
people, regardless of their role or location. I hope you feel, as I do, that this
memorial is a fitting tribute to their individual actions and to their shared,
selfless mission.
And that brings me on to the sculpture. It’s a timeless image – one that would
have been as relevant when the RNLI was formed in 1824 as it is now. That’s
because our purpose has never changed – we are, and always have been,
the charity that saves lives at sea.
The RNLI’s founder would, I feel certain, have been immensely proud to see
this day and the choice of Sir William Hillary’s family motto : ‘with courage,
nothing is impossible’ is not only right for the memorial inscription but also a
fitting tribute to a man to whom so many owe a great debt of thanks.
In the coming years, countless RNLI volunteers, supporters and staff, as well
as members of the public, will pass this memorial. As well as paying their
respects, I believe they will feel inspired and motivated by what they see.
And many can feel proud that they have been directly involved in its creation.
In the best traditions of our charity, supporters and staff have raised funds
specifically for the project. So we owe them a great debt of thanks too.
The greatest contribution came from the Chief Executive, Andrew Freemantle,
who initiated the project. Andrew cycled all the way to Rome in aid of the
memorial fund, raising nearly £60,000.
In a few moments, ladies and gentlemen, we will hear from the RNLI’s
President, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, before we mark the opening
of the memorial with a ceremony conducted by representatives from across
the UK and Ireland. After that there will be a service of dedication led by the
Bishop of Sherborne who kindly joins us today. That will be followed by the St
Ives Coxswain, Thomas Cocking, will speak on behalf of all our lifesavers.
Before I hand over to our President, though, I would like to thank you once
more for coming. If you are here representing a family or lifeboat station,
please rest assured: this memorial will help make certain that the RNLI, our
supporters and, indeed, the public at large, will always remember the actions
of your loved ones – just as I know you will.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we now welcome our President, His Royal Highness
the Duke of Kent.