By Rasha Ibrahim
Manama, November 14 (BNA) The anniversary of the mass was commemorated with a wreath-laying ceremony at the British Embassy in Manama.
The event, held annually to commemorate the British and Commonwealth soldiers and women who gave their lives in the line of duty, was hosted by Britain’s ambassador to Bahrain, Roddy Drummond.
It was attended by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, diplomats, officials and members of the diplomatic and expatriate communities.
The festivities remember the community of armed forces, British and Commonwealth veterans, the Allies who fought alongside the United Kingdom, and the civilian men and women who took part in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or sometimes Poppy Day, is celebrated every year on and around November 11.
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the cannons of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare during World War I.
In many parts of the world, people observe a two-minute silence at 11 am every November 11, to remember those who lost their lives during World War I, World War II and in recent conflicts.
If the celebration is impractical on November 11, the service is often given on the nearest Sunday, as in this year.
“The people of the United Kingdom and their armed forces have not forgotten the sacrifices made by previous generations from all walks of life to secure the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Drummond.
“That is why we continue to honor those who gave their lives in the struggle of the past in the service of their homeland. The meaning of their sacrifice lies in our collective national consciousness.”
It is wonderful to see people of all ages, religions, backgrounds and communities come together in every country to remember the victims of war and honor the courage and sacrifices of all members of the armed forces who always put themselves at risk to secure our freedoms, he added.
“I am proud to wear a poppy – as a symbol not only of remembrance, but of hope for a peaceful future. And in every act of remembrance, we honor the memory of the fallen and pledge to look after the living. We will remember them.”
Defense Attache Lt. Col. Alistair Kern said: “It is important that we seize the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict, and pay the ultimate price for the liberties that we often take for granted today. Those who fought bravely for our future must never do so. Forget .”