Remembrance Day 2019

Jamaicans today paid homage to fallen servicemen and women of World Wars I and II, with the customary service at the Garrison Church in Up Park Camp as well as a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph at National Heroes Circle in Downtown Kingston.

The annual Remembrance Day commemoration pays homage to war veterans.

Up to 5,000 Jamaicans were involved in world war one and two, some of whom served in the royal air force, while others joined the Ground Forces of the British Army and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Civil Military Cooperation and Media Affairs Officer of the Jamaica Defence Force, Major Basil Jarrett, says that Remembrance Day is one of the most significant days globally in the military.

Footage highlights the military parade and wreath-laying ceremony, that got underway at the cenotaph at national heroes circle in downtown Kingston in recognition of the sacrifices made by the veterans .

On the 11th hour of the 11th day, 2 minutes of silence is observed, not only in and across Jamaica but also in Commonwealth Countries, as this is the most significant feature of Remembrance Day.

Poppies have become a symbol of Remembrance Day as they bloomed across some of the worst battlefields in World War I. Their brilliant red colour is considered an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

The poppy is part of a fund raising initiative for destitute ex-military members.

Major Jarrett adds that the annual observance of Remembrance Day will ensure that the memory of those men and women and their service to their country is not forgotten .