Victims of war to be remembered during festival, says Archdruid

THERE will be an opportunity to remember and reflect on the victims of wars past and present during this year’s National Eisteddfod, the Archdruid said.

- By ERYL CRUMP

Mererid Hopwood noted the sound of war has been heard throughout the centuries. There was war when Iolo Morganwg opened the Gorsedd in Pontypridd in 1814 and the end of the Second World War was announced during the National Eisteddfod in Rhosllannerchrugog.

She suggested that Eisteddfodwyr should read the report of the Peace Academy and see what difference ‘Wales as a Nation of Peace could make to the world’ and announced an intention to create a monument to the principles of Iolo Morganwg.

She was speaking at the first meeting of Gorsedd Cymru at the Wrexham National Eisteddfod.

‘The ceremony was held in the Pavilion due to the weather forecast threatening showers.

‘Addressing the audience, she said Eisteddfodwyr can focus on Wrexham’s warm welcome and on the extraordinary diversity of the Eisteddfod programme.

“But as I was preparing for this meeting, the one image that insisted on imprinting itself on my mind was that of Robin McBryde carrying the Gorsedd sword - a sword which, in the impracticability of its weight and in the sheath that always covers its blade, is a symbol of peace.