The click-clack of rifles, the rhythmic thump of marching boots, the Royal Barbados Police Force Band’s solemn music and a huge cheer from the crowd for quick-stepping legionnaires were among the highlights as the island marked Remembrance Day yesterday.
The 30 legionnaires, including bemedalled retired colour sergeant Mark Bovell, were among the crowd favourites during the hour-long Remembrance Day Parade And Inter-denominational Service in Heroes Square, The City.
As they marched off the parade square, they were cheered by the crowds watching from the Chamberlain Bridge and the Wickham-Lewis Boardwalk.
An estimated 510 people, including soldiers, police officers, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, took part in the parade which was under the command of the Barbados Coast Guard’s John Mapp.
Members of the Barbados Prison Service, Barbados Cadet Corps and its band, St John’s Ambulance Brigade and Barbados Red Cross were also involved in the parade, which was briefly threatened by rain.
Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley were among those laying wreaths at the Cenotaph.
The parade and religious service also attracted several diplomats and senior Government officials.
Several Coast Guard officers watched the proceedings from the deck of the cutter HMBS Leonard C. Banfield, berthed in the Careenage. (TY)
