Remembrance Day in The Bahamas observed with scaled down wreath laying ceremony

NASSAU, The Bahamas – In observance of Remembrance Day, (November 11),

Governor General the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith; Prime Minister the Most

Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, along with Honorary Consuls and representatives of the British Legion, Bahamas Branch, laid wreaths at the Cenotaph, Garden of Remembrance, downtown, Parliament Street.

The day is set aside to honour veterans who have died in the line of duty during World War I and II.

Although downscaled due to the country’s COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s ceremony was no less significant.

“In spite of COVID-19, we must remember them,” said Adina Munroe-Charlow, Chairman and Treasurer of the British Legion, Bahamas Branch.

Seven hundred fifty men represented The Bahamas in World War I. Six of them were killed in action and the remaining men returned home.

Three hundred men and 11 women led The Bahamas in World War II.

According to Mrs. Munroe-Charlow, World War II ended on September 3, 1945 with a Peace Treaty that was signed by Japan and the other Western countries that were involved.

Today, The Bahamas has seven surviving registered World War II veterans and one female veteran.

“We cannot forget those who sacrificed their lives 100 years ago, and 75 years ago, for the freedom that we have today.

“The first Remembrance Day was on 11 November, 1921, two years after the ending of World War I. Since then, all countries in the empire set aside this day to remember the lives lost in World War I and World War II” said Mrs. Munroe-Charlton.

Also laying wreaths were: Maxwell Gibson, Vice Dean, Honorary Consul, South

Korea; Skolnick Harvey, Honorary Consul, Canada and Terrel Butler, Honorary Consul, Jamaica.

By Kathryn Campbell

(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)