Fallen soldiers in World Wars remembered at annual ceremony

The annual Commemoration of Remembrance Day took place last Sunday, November 13, at the Cenotaph on Bay Street in Kingstown.

But prior to the laying of the wreaths, uniformed groups marched from the Peace Memorial Hall at Richmond Hill, down Halifax Street to Bay Street for the ceremony, during which a two-minute moment of silence was observed in honour of those who served in World Wars One and Two.{{more}}

Prayers were said by Rev Allison Samuel on behalf of the Anglican Church; Rev Stilson Cato on behalf of the Methodist Church; Rev Maurice Woods on behalf of the Catholic Church; and Major Pierre Antoine on behalf of the Salvation Army.

The Governor General’s Deputy Susan Dougan was the first to lay a wreath, followed by the Acting Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker. Other wreaths were laid by High Court judge Brian Cottle, deputy Speaker of the House Carlos James, Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace, Attorney-General Judith Jones-Morgan, the representatives from the churches, Minister of Transport and Works Julian Francis, ex-service man and member of the St Vincent Legion Donald Browne, Taiwanese Ambassador Baushuan Ger, Euchrista St Hillaire-Bruce Lyle, Cuban Ambassador Vilma Reyes Valdespino, Venezuelan Ambassador Yoel Perez-Marcano, deputy Commissioner of Police Colin John and representatives of the other uniformed groups on parade.

The standout moment of the ceremony was the impeccable performance and sharp presentation of Major Dwight Lewis, who laid a wreath on behalf of the cadet corps. Lewis so impressed the small crowd gathered for the ceremony that they burst into spontaneous applause on the completion of his task.

Nina Maloney, a member of the St Vincent Legion, read the Exhortation to Remembrance.

The hoisting of the flag and the singing of the national anthem brought the day’s proceedings to an end.

The names of 71 soldiers from St Vincent and the Grenadines who gave their lives in World War One are inscribed on the Cenotaph, along with the names of four soldiers who were killed while serving in World War Two.