THE 62 ND ANNIVERSARY OF MUNICH AIR DISASTER

The 62 nd Anniversary

of the Munich Air Disaster by Joseph Tedesco

become an annual pilgrimage for me. Together with Joe Glanville and myself there were 2 other local Club members in our company, Joe Vella and Mark Agius. The number of fans attending the memorial service this time was less than the 60 th anniversary however I couldn’t but notice the usual faces of those who follow United for the love and not for the glory. The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation and the Red Docs Munich work together to organize this annual memorial service. In late 2018, the

At the memorial inside the Recht de Isar Hospital with friends.

2 years ago I was literally dragged to Munich by my dear friend Joe Glanville for the 60 th anniversary of that fatal disaster in 1958 which changed the fate of our beloved Manchester United. I’ve always wanted to go and visit the famous memorial site which commemorates that tragedy, located in ManchesterPlatz in Trudering but had no idea what emotions were awaiting me when I attended that memorial service which took place just next to the monument remembering all those who lost their lives in that disaster, accompanied by over 2,000 reds from all around the world. I will remain eternally thankful to Joe for insisting so much that I take that trip with him.

Last year I missed the trip because it was too close to our Supporters Club 60 th anniversary dinner in Manchester. This year I was pondering about it and at one point decided to give it a miss. Then my friend Joe Busuttil informed he had already purchased a flight ticket for Munich but was unable to attend so he offered me his flight ticket. At that point I felt Munich was calling again. I changed my mind and decided to go. Not only I do not regret it but have now promised myself that Munich in February will

Our flag hanging for the memorial service in ManchesterPlatz.

In MarinePlatz for the scarves presentation ceremony ... annual meeting at 5pm in the famous Munich square where Man Utd fans donate scarves to passing by citizens as a symbol of thank you for the support shown by the people of Munich when the disaster struck.

The memorial site in Trudering.

Just outside the Recht de Isar Hospital with friends, including 3 nephews of the legendary Jimmy Murphy.

Red Docs Munich, a group of Bayern Munich supporting doctors who work at the hospital nearby and who work tirelessly to keep the memorial site clean and tidy, initiated an online petition to the city of Munich, supported by Bayern Munich FC and The Mayor of Munich, to get permission from the City of Munich to build a glass display at ManchesterPlatz to host and display memorabilia left by visiting fans. This permission was granted in February 2019. During this year’s memorial service a ceremony took place to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the new memorabilia showcase at the site. The Chairman of Red Docs Munich, Dr Mark Salzmann addressed the crowd of 400-500 people. He was followed by a City Councillor who spoke on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, who unfortunately was unable to attend due to sickness. Chairman of Bayern Munich Karl Heinz Rummenigge and the Chairman of the MMMF, Patrick Burns, also addressed the crowd. Manchester United sent Club ambassador Andy Cole to represent them during this event. During the service, Joe Glanville and I were thankfully given the opportunity by

the organisers to lay a wonderful flower arrangement on behalf of MUSC Malta, the oldest Manchester United Supporters Club in the world. The singing of the Flowers o f M a n ch e s t e r song soon after the 2-minute silence at 3.04pm is one moment I invite every Man Utd fan I know to experience. Great emotions! Apart from the formalities, the trip to Munich in February is always a great opportunity to meet fellow Reds from all over the globe, sing a few songs during the famous gatherings before and after the service while drowning some Bavarian pints. This time we also found time to visit the Recht de Isar Hospital where the victims of the tragedy way back in 1958 were recovering. This was also a memorable moment. In 2018, a memorial including pictures and paintings was inaugurated in the hospital. Next year MUSC Malta shall be organizing a special trip for the 63 rd anniversary. First we go to Belgrade and stay in the Majestic Hotel where the Busby Babes were staying when they played Red Star in 1958. We will stay in Belgrade for 4 days and then travel to Muncih by train for the memorial service. The plan is to spend 3 days in Munich. This promise to be a great, emotional week, made to measure for those fans who are in love with the Busby Babes story. If you are interested to join send us an email on info@manutd-malta.com The 3 Joes and Mark landing in Munich airport.