Remembering a hero: ‘Cecil Chaudhry is unforgettable’
Tribute paid to war hero turned human rights activist.
LAHORE:
Participants of a memorial service for Cecil Chaudhry on Saturday said he stood for peace and harmony throughout his life.
The service was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral church in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, IA Rehman said that Cecil Chaudhry was a great man whose services for Pakistan could not be forgotten. He said that he was not only a fighter pilot but also a well wisher of the impoverished.
Dr Paul Bhatti, chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, recalled that Cecil Chaudhry and Hakeemullah were sent to the United States as test pilots.
“They were told that they would need a week of training before being allowed to fly the planes. The two insisted they could fly them right away,” he said.
When US authorities reluctantly gave them the permission, he added, they put on a memorable show.
Abdullah Haye, Cecil Chaudhry’s grandson, too, read a memorial speech at the occasion.
He said that Chaudhry had been a great person, a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
“A man as loving and considerate as nana will always be remembered by those who knew him,” he said.
“A few days before he passed away, he sent me a SMS. It was about friendship.”
The event was also addressed by Brigadier (r) Simon Sharif and Nayer Ali Shah. A prayer was read out for Cecil.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2012.
Participants of a memorial service for Cecil Chaudhry on Saturday said he stood for peace and harmony throughout his life.
The service was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral church in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, IA Rehman said that Cecil Chaudhry was a great man whose services for Pakistan could not be forgotten. He said that he was not only a fighter pilot but also a well wisher of the impoverished.
Dr Paul Bhatti, chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, recalled that Cecil Chaudhry and Hakeemullah were sent to the United States as test pilots.
“They were told that they would need a week of training before being allowed to fly the planes. The two insisted they could fly them right away,” he said.
When US authorities reluctantly gave them the permission, he added, they put on a memorable show.
Abdullah Haye, Cecil Chaudhry’s grandson, too, read a memorial speech at the occasion.
He said that Chaudhry had been a great person, a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
“A man as loving and considerate as nana will always be remembered by those who knew him,” he said.
“A few days before he passed away, he sent me a SMS. It was about friendship.”
The event was also addressed by Brigadier (r) Simon Sharif and Nayer Ali Shah. A prayer was read out for Cecil.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2012.