Remembrance Day Service commemorated

By Rasha Al Ebrahim Manama, Nov. 14 (BNA): The annual Remembrance Day Service was commemorated with a wreath-laying ceremony at the British embassy in Manama. The event, which is held annually to remember British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who have given their lives in the line of duty, was hosted by Britain’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Roddy Drummond. It was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, diplomats, officials and members of the diplomatic and expatriate communities. The commemorations remember the armed forces community, British and Commonwealth veterans, the allies who fought alongside the UK and the civilian men and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts. Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or sometimes Poppy Day, is commemorated every year on and around November 11. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare during the First World War. In many parts of the world, people observe a two-minute silence at 11am every 11 November, to remember those who lost their lives during the First World War, World War II and in recent conflicts. If a ceremony is impractical on November 11, a service is often performed on the nearest Sunday, as for this year. "The UK people and their Armed Forces have not forgotten the sacrifices that previous generations from all walks of life have made to secure the freedoms we enjoy today," Drummond said. "We therefore continue to honour those who sacrificed their lives in past conflict in service of their country. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness." It is great to see people of different ages, faiths, backgrounds and communities come together in every country to remember the victims of war and honour the bravery and sacrifice of all those members of the Armed Forces who always put themselves at risk to ensure our freedoms, he added. "I am proud to wear the poppy – as a symbol not only of remembrance, but of hope for a peaceful future. In every act of remembrance, we honour the memory of the fallen and pledge to care for the living. We will remember them." Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Kern said "It is important we take the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict, paying the ultimate price for the freedoms we often take for granted today. Those who fought bravely for our futures must never be forgotten."