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Contact:
Julita Peter
Tuesday, November 08, 2005 – On November 13th, Saint Lucia will be
honouring many patriotic citizens who lost their lives during the first and
second World Wars. This annual parade at the Derek Walcott Square attempts to
bring to the attention of the public, the needs of surviving veterans.
Patron of the St. Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex- Services League,
Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy is urging the members of the Saint Lucian
community to commit, during the observance of Veterans’ Week, to building on the
foundation which the veterans have built with “their blood, sweat and tears”.
“The passion with which the members of the League plan and execute this annual
week of activities is testimony that for them this exercise is not just mere
tradition, or nostalgia or a reluctance to let go of the past. It is for them a
sacred duty, an unwavering determination not to forget the sacrifice of their
comrades who gave their lives, their health and strength, who suffered pain of
body or of mind for the good of the world,” said Dame Pearlette.
Remembrance Services will be held in Vieux Fort on November 11th, in Soufriere
and Gros Islet on the 12th and in Castries – both at the Derek Walcott Square
and in the George V Park on November 13th.
The Governor General says she is saddened by the decreasing interest on the part
of the public during those solemn times. According to Dame Pearlette the
Services of Remembrance are not meant solely for veterans, public officials,
uniformed groups and diplomatic personnel, but for the entire St. Lucian
community.
“One appreciates that it is not practical for all of us to assemble at the
venues themselves,” she added, “but I believe we could revive that interest if
these Services were broadcast live and in its entirety over radio and television
to reach people across the length and breadth of the island. This uniting in one
common purpose would bring us closer together as a nation in the cause of peace,
peace in our homes, in our land, in our world.”
The Patron of the Saint Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex- Services
League is calling on the public to be especially generous this year to the Poppy
Appeal. 2005 marks the eighty-seventh anniversary of the end of World War I and
the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II.
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