British High Commission Marks Remembrance Day

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The British High Commission in Nigeria yesterday marked the Remembrance Day, a Memorial Day observed in Commonwealth member states since 1919, that is  a year after the end of the First World War.
Remembrance Day, which was known as ‘Armistice Day’ until after the Second World War) falls on  November 11.

Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, which is usually the Sunday closest to  November 11. It is marked by special services held at war memorials across the Commonwealth. Wreaths are laid on memorials and a two-minute silence is observed at 11 am.

A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria said the Acting British High Commissioner, Ms Gill Atkinson, supported by the UK Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Matt Munro, together with representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Diplomatic Missions and International Partners marked the Remembrance Sunday at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

The statement added that similar to the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day held on  January 15, Remembrance Day commemorates the sacrifice and courage of millions from across the Commonwealth, who died in the service of lasting peace. “It is a Day to remember those who volunteered, served, fought, and died, all for the cause of freedom,” the statement added.

Attendees of this year’s memorial included faith communities (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) and Heads of Missions representing Commonwealth countries remembering West African Armed forces and their contributions to the First and Second World Wars as well as current conflicts, wreathes were laid at the cemetery’s Memorial.

Speaking at the memorial service, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa said: “Today I joined the British High Commission at the Commonwealth Remembrance Service. A special tribute was paid to courageous soldiers of the West African Frontier Force & men and women who bravely served Our Armed Forces as a beacon of hope for a peaceful future.”

On his part, the UK Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Matt Munro said: “Earlier today we remembered brave men and women of The Commonwealth. Inspired by their courage to sow seeds of peace in fields of conflict and the ultimate sacrifice that so many paid, in a world where conflicts still rage, we must continue to strive for peace and partnership.”