Remembrance Day Poppy – Lest We Forget
Charlestown, Nevis
November 09, 2009
The island of Nevis remembered its nationals who died and fought in the two World Wars with a remembrance service on Sunday, November 8th at the Memorial square in Charlestown.
The National Day of Remembrance for those who gave their lives in World War I and II was observed with prayers, songs and the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph situated at the Memorial Square.
Wearing their bright red poppies, Deputy Governor General, Hon. Eustace John and Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry laid wreaths in remembrance. The ceremonial parade included the armed units of the Nevis Cadet Corps and the Royal St. Kitts- Nevis Police Force, while the unarmed units included the Girl Guides, the Scouts, students from the primary and secondary schools, members of the Nevis crossing guard unit, the Nevis Red Cross unit as well as other organizations who took part in the laying of wreaths.
The service was led by Father Ernest Fleming of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Ms. Angelica Elliott, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry, announced the names of the sixteen fallen soldiers from World War I and six from World War II.
The wearing of the poppy began as a fund raiser for children orphaned by the war and it has remained an international symbol of remembrance. Many onlookers at the ceremony wore the red flower in keeping with the traditional practice.
During the ceremony, the Nevis Symphonic Band rendered the musical selections for the occasion.