To the editor:

“But this I would say, standing as I do in view of God and eternity: I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” – Edith Cavell, written while awaiting execution

The name Edith Cavell is one of many etched on a granite memorial wall in front of Sunnydale School on Des Moines Memorial Drive.

In 1915, following her execution, Great Britain held her up as a martyr.  Her story went international. Indeed, the image the British press painted of a defenseless woman being gunned down by German soldiers helped to sway American public opinion away from neutrality and helped pave the way to our own entry into the war.

Cavell was many things.  She was a patriot who served humanity beyond her country’s borders.  She was a quintessential Victorian matron who devoted herself to elevating nursing as a profession for women.  She was a woman of faith whose sense of duty eventually led her to be executed for treason. Her story is one of idealism, compassion and incredible courage. 

At 2 p.m on Oct. 12,there will be a celebration of the life of British nurse Edith Cavell, marking the 100th anniversary of her death by firing squad during WWI.  The event will be held at Sunnydale School, corner of 156th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien. Admission is free. 

Please join us as we dispel some of the wartime myths and reveal the real Edith Cavell.  We’ll discuss how this now obscure British woman came to be listed among American dead on our own local WWI memorial, and the history and future of the Sunnydale Memorial and Des Moines Memorial Drive.

This event is brought to you be the Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association.  Inquiries may be directed to our president, Rose Clark, at clarkr4@comcast.net.

Chris Plyman