By Georgina Makaa
Remembering the fallen soldiers during the battle in the Pacific highlighted the remembranceDay service held in Honiara by the British High Commission Office.
Remembrance Day is held each year on November 11 to remember those who have given their lives in service, as well as to reflect on the historical events that led to this day.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner, whose office organised the event yesterday, said:
“Battle in the Pacific is not forgotten.”
“The poppy is for all our service men and women who died serving their countries, whether that was at sea in the Pacific or fighting in the Mediterranean, on the beaches of northern France or in the jungles of the SE Asia and the Pacific Islands.”
“We remember the soldiers who never came home, the families who waited but never saw loved ones again.”
“The communities forever changed, we remember those who returned, carrying the invisible wounds of war that blighted their lives forever after.”
He added Rememberance Day is a call to live our lives with compassion and to stand against injustice and aggresion.
Held at the Cenotaph within the grounds of the Central Police Station, the. Remembrance Day event was attended by reps from the diplomatic corps, Acting Governor General, government officials Australia and New Zealand Police Royal Solomon Islands Scouts church represetatives, and St John Ambulance Service.
Remembrance Day, originally called the Armistice Day, evolved to honor all who suffered in wars and conflicts, and is also known as Poppy Day in the Commonwealth.
Today the loss of lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.