Memorial Day 2012
Hundreds of national security personnel yesterday gathered alongside Government officials and diplomats in observance of Remembrance Day. The brief ceremony, which included a military drill performed by Defence Force officers, began at Memorial Park in Port-of-Spain around 11 am.
Detachments from Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Air Force, Defence Force Reserves, Police Service, Fire Service, and the Cadets, who were dressed in their stiffly-pressed formal uniforms, all participated in the parade. The parade only managed to attract a modest crowd.
Many of the spectators complained of the obscure view they had at the vantage points provided by the Defence Force. They suggested that the event and others like it be broadcast live on television in order to promote patriotism in T&T.
President George Maxwell-Richards, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Chief Justice Ivor Archie and National Security Minister Jack Warner were all present to lay elaborate wreaths in remembrance of soldiers who lost their lives in World Wars I and II.
A handful of elderly nationals who served in World War II, including retired justice Ulric Cross, were also present at the function to lay wreaths. Remembrance Day or Poppy Day is held annually on the second Sunday in November or the day closest to November 11.
The date marks the day in 1918 in which an armistice between Allied and German forces was signed, which signaled the end of World War I. Similar memorials are held in other parts of the world to honour and pay tribute to their soldiers who died in the World War I and II conflicts, which took place from 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945, respectively. n See Page A7
