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| Volume 54 Number 21, August 24, 2024 | ARCHIVE | HOME | JBCENTRE | SUBSCRIBE |
Chris Coleman, the National Leader of RCPB(ML) giving the
keynote speech at the Social Event to Honour the 75th Anniversary of the Birth
of John Buckle
On Saturday, July 27, comrades, friends and family gathered in London to honour the 75th anniversary of the birth of John Buckle who, as General Secretary, was the leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist) from its founding on March 16, 1979, until his tragic death on November 27, 1983, aged just 34.
Attending this event were friends who had militated in the Party alongside John Buckle, as well as staunch activists from the present. The gathering featured an introductory speech by Michael Chant, General Secretary of RCPB(ML), a keynote address by Chris Coleman, the National Leader of RCPB(ML), and a personal and heartfelt talk by the Revd Graham Buckle, John Buckle's brother.
In honouring John's memory on this 75th anniversary of his birth, RCPB(ML) presented a newly published book of photographs along with a brief account of his contributions and qualities. In so doing, the Party also paid tribute to the sacrifices of all its comrades who, like John, have come forward at crucial times in history to contribute to providing solutions to serious problems of the times. The book's introduction stated that:
Introductory speech by Michael Chant, General Secretary
of RCPB(ML)
"On this occasion, we call on everyone to be inspired by, and draw lessons from, John's example, taking up the tasks of our times centred around bringing into being the new forms, with new content, that unleash and channel the human power that is without limitations. Long Live the Memory of Comrade John Buckle!"
Following the speeches and reflections, a short film made by Stuart Monro on the occasion of John's 65th anniversary was shown displaying images and photos of John documenting his life as a revolutionary and comrade. In addition, next to the main table a striking banner was proudly displayed carrying the image of John Buckle. On this banner, beneath John's photo were the words of Hardial Bains, leader of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist), spoken at the Memorial Ceremony held in tribute to John Buckle in December 1983. Comrade Bains said of John, "In the annals of the revolution and socialism, your name will always shine like a bright star".
After the speeches, film and much discussion, there was music with choral
and solo singing performed in honour of John Buckle, and a buffet meal was laid
on throughout the evening. The gathering was a powerful and moving event, very
much appreciated by all the participants.
On this banner, beneath John's photo were the words of
Hardial Bains, leader of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist),
spoken at the Memorial Ceremony held in tribute to John Buckle in December
1983. Comrade Bains said of John, "In the annals of the revolution and
socialism, your name will always shine like a bright star".