JDF Unveils Monument in Honour of Fallen Soldiers

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has officially unveiled its Fallen Soldier Monument, dubbed ‘The Parade’, at the Jamaica Military Museum and Library, Up Park Camp, in Kingston.

This monument, which is in honour of 26 fallen soldiers who died during military operations from 1976 to 2024, recognises their service, sacrifice and enduring contribution to Jamaica.

Held on November 5 under the theme, ‘Lest We Forget: Honouring Their Sacrifice, Preserving Their Legacy’, the ceremony reflected the traditions of military service and the nation’s enduring obligation to remember its fallen.

In her address at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, said the installation ensures the memory of these heroes is forever preserved in the collective history of the nation.

“As we gather to dedicate and unveil this monument in honour of the men and women of the Jamaica Defence Force who lost their lives while serving, we remember them with pride and with gratitude for what they gave to Jamaica. They have contributed to Jamaica’s security and that will endure through those they left behind. Through their courage, commitment, honour, integrity, loyalty and discipline, they helped shape the Jamaica Defence Force we serve in today,” she said.

Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman said the JDF constructed the commemorative monument to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Jamica.

“In the years ahead, recruits, serving members, visitors will stand here where we stand now; I hope they will pause. They will pause to learn about the people this monument seeks to honour. In doing so, they will learn a little about the history of the Jamaica Defence Force, the kind of service on which it is built,” she said.

“For those of us who wear the uniform, remembrance entails responsibility. We honour our fallen through the way we serve and support one another. We honour them by the integrity with which we carry out our duties entrusted to us by the people of Jamaica. As we unveil this monument this afternoon, we dedicate it to the memory of our fallen and to the service they gave to Jamaica. We will remember them,” she added.

Former Force Sergeant Major, Ex Warrant Officer Class One, Michael Moulton, advocated for the creation of the monument to commemorate the fallen. The concept was approved by the general staff Board.

The artistic concept and architectural design was developed by captain Matthew McFarlane and constructed by the One Engineer Regiment of the JDF. The memorial is located directly in front of the Jamaica Military Museum and Library.