Victims of World War I & II remembered

The day is observed on 8 November of every year by the Gambia Government and the British embassy in Banjul, as well as the surviving veteran soldiers who took part in the World Wars.

The event attracted people from diverse areas, who paid tribute to the fallen soldiers who died in the wars.

The celebration started as far back as 1918.

This year’s occasion was held both at July 22nd Square in Banjul, organised by the Gambia government through the Gambia Armed Forces, and at the Fajara Commonwealth War Cemetery, organised by the British embassy in Banjul

The occasion was observed with 2-minutes of silence for the departed souls, prayers, gun shots, a parade by security personnel, and presentations of wreaths on the graves of the departed souls.

Both occasions were graced by representatives of Gambia government, the British embassy, service chiefs, veteran soldiers and members of the civil society.

Giving the history of the occasion, Lamin K. Sanyang, World War I & II, disclosed that the day is celebrated every second Sunday of November of every year.

He added that the day is commemorated to reflect and pay homage to all war veterans who participated in all wars throughout the world, especially in World War I and II.

“We are here to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for peace; to reflect and take pride in the sacrifices of those who fought for peace; to reflect and take pride in the heroism of those who gallantly shed their blood and laid down their lives for justice to prevail; to pray and salute all those brave men and women who stood up against tyranny,” he stated.