It was a morning of respectful remembrance of Barbados’ war heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the two World Wars.
With the Admiral Lord Nelson Statue looking down on the proceedings in Heroes Square, scores of Barbadians and cruise ship visitors watched on in admiration, taking up every vantage point particularly from the Wickham-Lewis Boardwalk and the Chamberlain Bridge.
During the hour-long parade and ceremony, political, diplomatic, legal and military leaders each walked up to the Cenotaph to rest their poppy-laden floral tributes at the base of the “empty tomb”.
The annual event, which is recognised on November 11, but the parade and ceremonial events carried out on Remembrance Sunday – the second Sunday in November – has also become a dress rehearsal for many uniformed groups who will parade again on November 30 to celebrate the island’s attainment of independence from Britain.
Among those splendidly outfitted for the event were the island’s armed units comprising members of the Barbados Regiment, the Barbados Coast Guard, the Royal Barbados Police Force and the Barbados Cadet Corp.
On the other hand, the unarmed units on parade yesterday morning were the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, St John Ambulance Brigade, and the Barbados Red Cross.
As usual, the bands on parade were the Royal Barbados Police Force Band which is celebrating its 125th year of existence and they were supported by the band of the Barbados Cadet Corps.
Among those laying wreaths were Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave and Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, wearing a lace off-white long dress also joined Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Colonel Alvin Quintyne and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce in paying their respects to the local war dead.
The service, which began promptly at 8 a.m., included a brief parade. (GE)
