The nation of St. Kitts and Nevis honoured its fallen servicemen during the National Day of Remembrance on Sunday, 10th November 2024, with a moving ceremony at the Cenotaph in Fortlands, Basseterre.
Governor General Dame Marcella Liburd led the tribute, alongside other dignitaries, laying wreaths to commemorate the brave men and women who gave their lives in the World Wars I and II.
The observance, held annually in November, is a solemn occasion to reflect on the sacrifices made during the Great Wars. It included an interdenominational religious service and a military parade, both of which were held at the Cenotaph, a site of deep historical significance.
The ceremony began with a poignant two-minute silence, a gesture of respect for the fallen soldiers. The silence was marked by gunfire at the beginning and end, a symbolic remembrance of the end of the First World War and the sacrifices made by countless soldiers.
During the ceremony, the names of 20 men from the former Presidency of St. Kitts-Nevis and Anguilla, who fought and died in World War I, were read aloud. These brave souls, whose names are inscribed in the Cenotaph, were remembered for their valiant efforts between 1914 and 1918. Their names include:
- Joseph Cephas
- James Daniel
- Arthur Dickenson
- Donald Edwards MC
- H.D. Edwards DSO
- John Foreman
- Edmund Gordon
- H Herbert Jones
- James L. E. R. Lake
- Joseph Lewis
- Joseph McCoy
- Edward Mills
- Hubert Mitchell
- Donald Patrice
- Edward Hope Ross
- Horace Viera
- Williams C. Wattley
- Richard White
- Robert Woolward
- Ivor Wakefield
The remembrance also extended to the six men who lost their lives during World War II (1939-1945). Their names, also inscribed on the Cenotaph, were announced during the ceremony:
- J. E. Alves DFM
- Peter Berkley
- Sydney Delisle
- A. E. Farara
- G. G. H. Farara DFC DFM
- Basil Viera DFC
In addition to remembering the fallen soldiers, homage was paid to the Late Samuel Nathan, the Secretary of the Ex-Servicemen’s Legion in St. Kitts, who passed away this year. His dedication to the cause of veterans was honoured by those present at the ceremony.
As part of the global remembrance, the event included the traditional observance of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the historic signing of the World War I armistice. Millions around the world wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance, honouring the soldiers who lost their lives. The poppy is especially poignant, as it is said to have bloomed in the fields where the fallen soldiers were laid to rest, particularly in Flanders Fields, Belgium.
The National Day of Remembrance in St. Kitts and Nevis serves as an annual opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to their country, ensuring that their bravery is never forgotten.
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