Sam Lesser (1915-2010)
Marlene Sidaway from the International Brigade Memorial Trust writes with sad news (listen to Sam here):
We are very sorry to have to tell you that our much loved and respected Chairman, SAM LESSER (RUSSELL), has died at the age of 95.
Sam was a founding-member of the Trust, and an eloquent speaker about his comrades in the International Brigades as well as a very effective spokesman for the Trust and our work.
He believed that the least he and other survivors of the war in Spain could do, was to remember with pride the commitment and bravery of the Spanish people, as well as his I.B. comrades in Spain. It was important to him that their memory and spirit should be kept alive so that future generations could be inspired by their example.
He will be greatly missed by all of us, especially the IBMT Committee, who met just last week. The meeting was chaired by Sam with his usual humour and efficiency. We will of course remember him at the AGM in Liverpool on the 16th. October, and will arrange a memorial event for him later.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his family –
Daughter Ruth and her husband Mike, and Sam’s grandchildren Sean & Marika.
Marlene Sidaway.
Secretary, IBMT
[…] A great person, with many others that didn't make it, whom history seems to have over looked. https://albavolunteer.org/2010/10…C2%A1presente/ for the […]
We Spanish people will never be able to espress with words the gratitude we feel for the likes of Mr.lesser. The brigadists left Britain to fight against fascism. In other words they were people that did what their countries should have done and didnt do. Those countries -Including the UK had to wait a couple of years until they finaly realised the dangers of fascism. Even when they defeated Hitler they decided not to take any action against Franco instead he was supported.
As i said no words can espress the admiration that I feel for Mr.Lesser and all the rest of brigadist.
Just one small note that i think is important to clarify:
The expression “presente!” was( and is still) a expresion USED BY FASCISTS to glorify their dead “heroes” … I think is a bit discusting that same expresion is used in this case for a man that went all the way to Spain to fight fascism.