Things come to your notice in a variety of ways, some of them unexpected. I was reminded of the Remembrance Day ceremony at National Heroes Park by a Ministry of National Security tweet on Friday.
Today being the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day and never having been before, I decided to go to the memorial ceremony. There was adequate parking at National Heroes Park, and as I walked inside the entrance, I was encouraged to make a donation to the Annual Poppy Appeal, which I did.
While I was waiting for the ceremony to begin, I saw a gentleman walking around with poppies and heard him telling someone at the end of the row I was sitting in that he was 85 and that people called him the Poppy Man. I intended to speak with him at the end of the ceremony to ask his name, but unfortunately I didn’t see him later.
The National Memorial Service was scheduled to start at 10:55am, with the official arrivals beginning earlier.
(This is a link to a copy of the full programme for the Remembrance Day 2018 service.)
Arrivals
Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away
– O God, our help in ages past – Opening Hymn
Period of Silence & The Last Post
(The period of silence commences and ends with a one-gun Salute. The Last Post is sounded by the JDF buglers.)
The Exhortation was read by Mr Gerald Manhertz, who I was told after the ceremony is 90-years-old and is one of the few living Jamaicans to have served in World War II.
The National Anthem was sung before the Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
– National Anthem
Wreath Laying Ceremony
His Excellency The Governor General Greets the War Veterans on Parade
Once the ceremony ended, there were the official departures…
…after which people milled around, talking and taking photographs….
I am glad that I attended the Memorial Service today. Acts of remembering are important to a society. 
November 12, 2018 at 5:41 am
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
I pledge my heart forever
To serve with humble pride
This shining homeland, ever
So long as earth abide.
I pledge my heart, this island
As God and faith shall live
My work, my strength, my love and
My loyalty to give.
O green isle of the Indies,
Jamaica, strong and free,
Our vows and loyal promises
O heartland, ’tis to Thee.
Thanks for remembering and for reminding us…
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November 13, 2018 at 9:12 am
Both very powerful songs…
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November 12, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Reblogged this on Petchary's Blog and commented:
Yesterday I spent a lot of time thinking about my ancestors who served in one or both world wars – especially my grandfather, who served in both. My thoughts were disturbed by the U.S. President’s disgraceful behaviour on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. What a rotten character he is. I now wish we had joined this observance of Remembrance Day at National Heroes’ Park in Kingston. But thank you so much for capturing the moment, Susan!
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November 13, 2018 at 9:03 am
Thanks for reblogging, Emma. I did some of that thinking and reflection too…
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November 12, 2018 at 11:52 pm
You are so right about the importance of remembering to society. Alas, it’s something society seems to continually forget. A very nice description and photos of an important ceremony.
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November 13, 2018 at 8:53 am
Thank you!
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