(Commonwealth)_ Since 2002, the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Gates has been a central feature of Commonwealth Day, bringing together High Commissioners and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of Commonwealth personnel. This year’s event holds particular significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a conflict that reshaped the world and affected countless lives across continents.
Commemorating the end of the Second World War
The conclusion of the Second World War was a protracted process that extended beyond Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8, 1945. While the war in Europe was winding down, many troops were still engaged in intense battles in the Far East and the Pacific, with some soldiers redeployed from European fronts instead of returning home. The British and Commonwealth forces, particularly the Fourteenth Army, played a crucial role in these final stages of the war. One of the most diverse military formations in history, the Fourteenth Army comprised soldiers who spoke over 40 languages and represented all major world religions.
The war in the Asia-Pacific theatre demanded immense sacrifices. Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on August 15, 1945, officially marked Japan’s surrender, bringing an end to global hostilities. The annual ceremony at the Memorial Gates serves as a reminder of the bravery and contributions of Commonwealth service personnel who fought in these battles, recognising their role in securing the freedoms and values upheld today.
Reflections from Distinguished Figures
Lord Paul Boateng, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, emphasised the importance of remembering those who served. He highlighted that the sacrifices made by Commonwealth soldiers transcended divisions of race, religion, and nationality, uniting them in the pursuit of freedom. He underscored the necessity of educating future generations about these contributions, ensuring that the legacy of these brave individuals endures. The presence of Warrant Officer Joseph Ashitey Hammond from Ghana, a centenarian veteran of the Burma Campaign, symbolises the sacrifices made by soldiers from across the Commonwealth who served beyond their homelands.
Warrant Officer Hammond, one of the few surviving Ghanaian veterans of the Second World War, shared his pride in serving with the 3rd Infantry Battalion under the Fourteenth Army. He reflected on the mission to restore peace and urged the British government to recognise the families of veterans by granting them easier access to Britain and its territories. His words underscored the long-standing contributions of African soldiers in the global war effort and the ongoing need for meaningful recognition.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC highlighted the importance of honouring those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. She commended Warrant Officer Hammond’s enduring commitment to international peace, noting that his presence serves as a poignant reminder of the lessons history teaches in preventing future conflicts. She reiterated that the contributions of Commonwealth soldiers must not be forgotten, particularly in times of global instability.
The Bishop of Edmonton reflected on the deep historical connections between Commonwealth nations, emphasising that the ceremony offers an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to global peace. He invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of self-sacrifice for the greater good, urging individuals and nations to work towards harmony and cooperation in an unpredictable world.
Recognising a Legacy of Service
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion, acknowledged the role of the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Nepal, Africa, and the Caribbean who served in the First and Second World Wars. She expressed the Legion’s pride in honouring their contributions, noting that the Memorial Gates stand as a lasting tribute to their service. The ceremony not only commemorates the efforts of those who fought in Asia and the Far East but also recognises their descendants who continue to shape multicultural societies today.
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