Ex-soldiers need help all year round
THE 2019 REMEMBRANCE Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony, held on Sunday November 10, at the National Heroes Circle, was another solemn yet colourful affair for those who turned out to show their respect and recognition to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the country.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, is observed on the second Sunday in November to commemorate the end of World Wars I and II, and to recognise the sacrifices of those who fell in those great wars. The date is particularly poignant as it marks the day World War One ended, at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.
Since then, the event has evolved in meaning to show gratitude for the freedoms won as a result of both conflicts, as well as a mark of respect for those who have served in other conflicts since then.
As is customary, this year’s Remembrance Day involved a church service at the Garrison Chapel in Up Park Camp, as well as the parade at National Heroes Circle. Those events were only two of numerous other events across the island, taking place at the respective cenotaphs throughout the parishes. The event marks the end of the ‘Poppy season’ with proceeds from the various fundraising activities being used to support ex-servicemen and veterans of the Commonwealth militaries.
Major Marlon Kennedy, chairman of the Poppy Appeal Committee, while thanking persons who attended the event and supported the month-long drive, is making an appeal that although the poppy drive is over, persons should endeavour to support the welfare of our ex-soldiers and ex-servicemen. “It is very important”, he noted, “that we recognise and support those who gave their time, energy and their entire lives to defend our freedoms. This support should come all year round, as many of our ex-solders have fallen on hard times and do not have that family structure to support them. Entities like the Jamaica Legion, the Jamaica Ex-Soldiers Association and the Jamaica Defence Force itself have instituted mechanisms to support these persons as best as possible, but the support is never enough, and the public is urged to keep the ex-soldiers in their thoughts and prayers throughout the year.”