His Excellency Governor John Rankin said it is his vision that the British Virgin Islands will soon erect a memorial where Remembrance Day activities can be held annually.
Rankin spoke at a Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Government House on November 11.
“While I am proud that we have held this service here at Government House today let me tell you all my hope for the future, that we may be able to have a dedicated war memorial in this territory, perhaps most obviously across from here in a quiet corner of Queen Elizabeth II Park remembering those Virgin Islanders who gave their lives in war and where our wreaths can be laid in future years”, he said.
The governor did note however that Virgin Islanders did have the opportunity to participate in a wreath laying ceremony in the UK as part of this year’s observation.
“This week, representatives from across the Commonwealth and our Overseas Territories including the Virgin Islands planted trees at the opening of the Gardens of Remembrance in the grounds of the UK Parliament”, he noted.
Remembrance Day is observed annually across the Commonwealth as a day set aside to honour and pay tribute to those who fought in World War 1 and other conflicts as well as those who have served in various armed forces.
The event is held in high regard as a show of respect to those who lost their lives defending civilians from the dangers of war.