Portland remembers wars vets

Portlanders turned out to participate in the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony, at the Port Antonio Cenotaph, Sunday (November 14).
The function, to remember veterans of World Wars I and II, featured a parade by uniformed groups and the laying of wreaths.
Among the uniformed groups were: Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girls Guides, Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), the Portland Fire Department, Portland Red Cross, students of Drapers All Age, Manchioneal All Age and Buff Bay High schools.
World War II veteran, Patsville Hendricks, recounted his experiences and said that, as a youngster, he was always fascinated with the idea of travelling to other countries. He said enlisting into the service, seemed like an opportunity to achieve that dream.
Mr. Hendricks, who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) between 1944 and 1947, said his military service took him to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Malaysia, Singapore and England. He said that, although it was a “tough experience”, he was a proud survivor and had no regrets.
He lamented the fact that most of his colleagues have now “passed on,” but was happy to be alive to participate on this occasion. He said he looked forward to sharing in other Remembrance Day functions, as well.
Mr. Hendricks joined Hugh Perry, deputizing for the Custos of Portland, Hon. Roy Thompson, Member of Parliament for East Portland, Dr. Donald Rhodd, Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Floyd Patterson, and representatives of the uniformed groups and the local business community in laying wreaths.