Dol Fodha na Grèine

Private M. Morrison, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. Son of John Morrison of Cross, Ness, Stornoway. Age 20.

Private M. Morrison, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. Son of John Morrison of Cross, Ness, Stornoway. Killed April 25, 1915, age 20.

This Valentine’s Day…at the going down of the sun….

There it stood, at the base of one Scottish soldier’s tablet…here at Seaforth Cemetery, Cheddar Villa.

I am reminded of this image…this day…for its simplicity…its connection to a gravesite without mention of those who brought it here. Though it speaks to one it speaks to many.

Did you know?

Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing marriages of soldiers who were forbidden to marry.

Imagery associated with Valentine’s Day includes winged cupids, heart shapes and doves. In context of the Great War angels…love and peace….remember them well.

Private Morrison graveside at Seaforth Cemetery Cheddar Villa.

The marker at Private Morrison’s place of rest.


About The Author

pferguson
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France. Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was captivated by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Over time Paul became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography, narration and soundtracks. At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was inspired when he learned Weir visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. "Gallipoli", the film, led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli, North Macedonia and Salonika. When Paul first watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests was a natural progression. Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, Paul believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.” While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.

Comments

One Response to “Dol Fodha na Grèine”

  1. Rosemary says:

    A simple tribute to the recognized day of love. Remembering those that we can see everyday and those that have been taken from us. Many might say that love is never simple, but truth be told it might be one of the simplest emotions that we have.

    Thank you!

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