Sir, In his letter comparing the rebuilt Frauenkirche, Dresden, unfavourably with Coventry Cathedral, and published symbolically in The Times on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Malcolm Turner has not considered one thing — symbolism.

The Frauenkirche was originally seen as a sign of defiance by a Protestant people against a king who became a Catholic for political reasons. It was rebuilt as a result of popular feeling against 40 years of drab communism and a harking back to a golden age of Baroque, when the church was reckoned one of the most beautiful buildings north of the Alps.

The rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral was completely different. The past was not seen as a threat, the rebuilding was an opportunity to move forward in the new, exciting style of the Festival of Britain. Basil Spence produced the most memorable building of the 1960s.

MICHAEL AUSTIN
Hove, East Sussex

Sir, I wonder whether in 100 years visitors to Dresden will be as aware of the destruction of the Frauenkirche as visitors to Coventry will be of the destruction of its church? As a survivor of the Blitz, every time I am in the vicinity of the ruins of St Michael’s I am reminded how futile all war is. The new cathedral has critics, but the juxtaposition of the ruins of the old and Basil Spence’s new, if allowed to survive, will leave no one in doubt of what happened.

JOAN WARNER
Binley Woods, Warks

Sir, Remembrance Day is far from decaying “slowly through neglect” (letter, November 16), and it is clear to us that the nation and the Commonwealth still feel strongly about it. The Royal British Legion, which works at all levels of society in its welfare and education activities, has observed the growing number of people from all walks of life and all generations, who wish to participate in Remembrance.

As long ago as 1923, and again in 1945, questions were asked about the nature, need for and longevity of Remembrance commemorations. However, the huge public support for observance, then and now, demonstrates that despite the passing of the years and sadly declining numbers of veterans, most people agree that is important for all of us to continue to reflect on the price of freedom and in a still divided world to hope for a better future.

IAN G. TOWNSEND
Director-General,
The Royal British Legion
London SW1

Sir, Not only should we retain Remembrance Day but we must protect our war memorials from widespread neglect and vandalism. War memorials have three functions: they commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in war; they remind us of the horrors of war; and they are a focus for a community.

As the number of those who lived through the world wars dwindles, responsibility for the memorials must pass to others. It is arguable that dependence on a local authority or government should be avoided.

The Tory leadership contender David Cameron is advocating greater national cohesion, possibly involving unspecified school-leaver programmes in the local community. The care of our war memorials could be one such possibility.

CHARLES TWEEDIE
Little Hereford, Shropshire

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