 |
munich58.co.ukIn memory of those who died in the munich air crash in February 1958 |
|
munich58.co.ukIn memory of those who died in the munich air crash in February 1958 |
What a difference a year makes!
For the past few years we have been under the Munich Memorial Plaque at 3:00 to remember the victims of the crash. Well, we were there again in 2008 but this time, rather than being accompanied by 200 - 300 people, there were about 3000 - 4000. We expected a media circus and a larger crowd than in previous years but when we were sitting in a traffic queue at 2pm outside PC World on Chester Road, my first question was "Where were these people last year?"
Car Park Number 1 (opposite K Stand) was reserved for those attending the official memorial service and members of the media (and no, a fans web site does not count as media, despite the fact that we have helped both MUTV and Manchester United Museum with requests for information about Munich) - and I wasn't about to argue with one of Manchester's Boys in Blue, so we struggled round from the car park by The North Stand, carrying cameras, a wreath and a printout of the Munich58 tributebook.
At 3:00, the tannoy relayed the audio from the official ceremony where Gary Neville lit a candle for each of the 23 victims. Then a minute's silence was impeccably observed by all those outside the stadium. The leader of the ceremony told us that "we could all sit down" - I think they forgot to turn off the tannoy! That was the signal for both Gez Mason and Pete Martin to lead the singing of The Flowers of Manchester. A rendition of a few terrace songs then followed (The Calypso, We'll never die) and then Pete sang his specially written song "Fifty Years"
Eventually the media and most of the fans disappeared, leaving the way clear to take some photos of the flowers.
At just before 5pm, the Munich Tunnel was opened to the public (the opening ceremony was done behind closed doors - no doubt for the cameras benefit) - and more photos were taken.
All in all, a good day (if a day of remembrance can be called good) - apart from the d*ckheads who were sining "why don't City f*ck off home" - how can you complain if their fans don't observe the minute's silence?
But the question still remains - how many of those 4000 people will be there for the 51st anniversary?"
Photos from Old Trafford 6th February 2008