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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Tuesday, November 9, 2004 - The public is being called upon to renew
interest in the contribution that local British ex-service men and women made in
World War One and Two, and particularly, to show a sense of humanity towards
them.
Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony made the call during his weekly radio
address - Conversations with the Nation. He lamented that the historical
significance of Remembrance Day appeared to be unknown to younger generations of
Saint Lucians, although the annual observance this year marked its 60th
Anniversary.
“Some must wonder why, every year around this time, war veterans display their
medals and participate in the commemorative parades, or why this particular
month of November every year is called Remembrance Day, or why the red poppy
goes on sale at this time every year, or why the veterans gather on the white
structure on the Square called the Cenotaph, on which several names are
described,” said Dr. Anthony.
Dr. Anthony expressed concern that this lack of knowledge may be at the root of
dwindling public interest in the welfare of ex-servicemen and women, as well as
the steady reduction in Poppy sales noted over the years.
The trend of lower poppy sales has hit the veterans very hard, particularly
since the proceeds were used to provide many of them with small incomes, Dr.
Anthony said: “So buying a poppy is not just an act of remembrance. The proceeds
go to the Ex-Services League to assist its members. By wearing a poppy during
this period, we are demonstrating our appreciation for those who died and for
those who survived. By contributing to the Ex-Services League, we are helping
desperate old soldiers like the one who Mrs.Pilgrim graphically described as
living in a basket.”
The Prime Minister made a plea for all St. Lucians to turn out at the
Remembrance Day parades this coming Sunday and talk to the old soldiers, join
them, and pay tribute to those who did not survive.
The Remembrance Day ceremony will take place on Sunday November 14th, 2004.
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