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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 14:00
Bill Vonk, of Bolgoed Road, criticised the decision made by members of Llanedi Council to not play the anthems for the 90th anniversary of the Armistice Day.
He described it as disrespectful for all British war heroes.
"The community council refused to play the anthems, despite one of their serving councillors being a former serviceman," he said.
"It is disgusting. Remembrance Day is a time for honouring all those people who have served their Queen and country.
"Not to play the national anthem is absolutely disrespectful."
Mr Vonk, who served on the council for nine years and was also chairman, was not re-elected in the community council elections last May.
He said when he was a serving councillor, he could remember being told at the service at St Edith's Church that they were not allowed to sing the anthem.
"We had to sing it without music outside the church, because we could not have it in the church," he said.
"Even then the Plaid councillors refused to sing it the British Anthem.
"I think it is all about nationalism. People should remember this is a day to remember those service men and women who fought for the Queen and country."
Mr Vonk said: "Pontarddulais had a superb service where both anthems were sung.
"I don't know a service that does not sing the anthems."
Llanedi Community Council clerk Owen Jones said: "At its October meeting, Llanedi Community Council discussed the question of whether or not to include the national anthems in its Remembrance Service.
"The merits of both sides of the argument were considered.
"In the event, the proposition that the anthems could be construed as glorifying war prevailed and it was resolved by a significant majority that the anthems should not be included in the service.
"All invitations to attend the service issued by the council contained a statement to that effect.
"Prior to the following monthly meeting on the November 5, only one complaint was received.
"It was resolved at that meeting that the reaction to the omission of the anthems should be monitored and that the matter would be reviewed before the 2009 service. To date, two further complaints have been received."
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