Remembrance Day marks centenary of Armistice
Cayman Islands Veterans Association President Andrew McLaughlin
(CNS Local Life): This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony, held Sunday, 11 November, joined an international commemoration of the centenary of the Armistice, which ended World War I on that date in 1918, after four years of fighting. The Great War resulted in an estimated 37.5 million casualties, with approximately 8.5 million troops thought to have lost their lives.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Cayman Islands participated in this year’s international initiative, “Ringing for Peace”. At 11am, bells rang out in unison across all three islands. During the ceremony, the bell at Elmslie Memorial Church was rung and local radio and television stations marked the 11th hour by playing bells over their channels.
Governor Martyn Roper and Premier Alden McLaughlin were among those who attended the Remembrance Sunday Parade and ceremony at Elmslie, stated a government press release. The Elmslie service brought together officials, veterans and members of the public to reflect on the sacrifices made 100 years ago.
As usual, during the event wreaths were laid at both the Cenotaph and the Seamen’s Memorial.
In his speech, the governor paid tribute to the Caymanians who served in the Great War, in which 300 local sailors are known to have voluntarily enlisted in the British Merchant Navy in 1916.
Roper expressed his sincere appreciation for the Caymanian support then, and the support recruits from the Overseas Territories continue to provide the British Armed Forces today, stated the press release. He also highlighted the aid the “RFA Mounts Bay” offers the Cayman Islands and neighbouring Overseas Territories as it patrols the region’s seas as part of an initiative to promote resilience against hurricanes.
Following the service, the governor hosted a reception at Government House for around 25 veterans. At that event, Roper said, “It was an honour to attend the service today and to see so many, both young and old, commemorating the sacrifices made during the Great War and in subsequent conflicts.
“It is important that our history lives on with our young people; we must not forget what those in the past have done for our future. Hosting a reception for our veterans here today is indeed a distinct privilege.”
See photos of Remembrance Day commemoration below, supplied by GIS (click to enlarge).
Category: Events
THANK YOU CNS for honoring our Veterans! Your story and coverage reflects the true meaning of what the long weekend is really about – REMEMBRANCE DAY…unlike the Cayman Compass who thought it is more important to put Pirates on the front page rather than Salute those who gave their lives so everyone can have the freedoms they have today to have the Pirates festivities.
THANK YOU!!!