World War Veterans Honoured on Remembrance Day

Veterans of World Wars I and II were honoured for their patriotism and sacrifice during Saturday’s (November 11) Remembrance Day ceremony at National Heroes Park in Kingston.

Remembrance Day is observed to pay homage to persons who gave service and their lives in World War I (1914 to 1918), and World War II (1939 to 1945).

Officiating Minister, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston and Chairman, Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches, His Grace, the Most Rev. Kenneth Richards, led the meditation which was followed by the observance of a two-minute period of silence to honour those servicemen who lost their lives in the wars.

The commemoration included a parade by uniformed groups and sentries, and the laying of floral tributes in memory of those who died in service during the wars.

As is customary, this year’s observance of Remembrance Day featured the ceremonial laying of wreaths by the nation’s leaders at the Cenotaph honouring veterans of the wars.

This was led by Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

Also participating were President of the Senate, Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson who represented Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; and former Member of Parliament, Horace Dalley, who represented Opposition Leader, Mark Golding.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake, who represented Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson; Commissioner, Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford; Commissioner of Corrections, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Gary Rowe; as well as representatives and members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps; St. John Ambulance; Jamaica Combined Cadet Force; Royal Air Force Association Jamaica (580) branch, and Jamaica Legion, also participated in the wreath laying ceremony.

The Governor-General conducted an official inspection of ex-service members and contingents of the Jamaica Legion and the Royal Air Force Association.

An estimated 5,000 Jamaicans were involved in the World Wars.

They served in the Royal Air Force and the ground forces of the British Army and the Canadian Armed Forces.