UK, Gambia honour fallen heroes at annual Remembrance Service
Press release The British High Commission in Banjul joined the Government of The Gambia, members of the armed and security services, religious leaders, diplomats, veterans and members of the public to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts during a solemn Act of Remembrance held at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. The ceremony paid tribute to the men and women who served, fought and died in defence of peace and freedom, with particular recognition given to Gambian veterans and servicemen whose contributions formed an important part of the Allied war effort. Speaking at the event, the British High Commissioner reflected on this year's Remembrance theme, "Service in a Changing World," noting that while the nature of modern conflicts and security challenges continues to evolve, the values of courage, duty, professionalism and selfless service remain unchanged. The ceremony highlighted the enduring significance of remembrance, bringing together people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds to honour the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces community, their families, and emergency services personnel. Attendees were reminded of the profound human cost of war. More than 20 million soldiers lost their lives during the First World War, while millions more perished during the Second World War and conflicts that followed. The Remembrance poppy, worn during the ceremony, serves as a symbol not of victory, but of remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Particular tribute was paid to Gambian soldiers who fought alongside British and Allied forces in both World Wars, serving with distinction in Africa and the Far East. A total of 236 Gambian servicemen who lost their lives are commemorated at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Fajara. The ceremony also recognised the strong and evolving partnership between the British and Gambian Armed Forces, built on shared values, mutual respect and a common commitment to peace and security. Addressing guests, the British High Commission emphasised the importance of remembrance in preserving history, fostering national unity and inspiring future generations to uphold the principles of peace and freedom. "While the circumstances of service may change, the willingness of men and women to serve others remains constant," attendees heard during the ceremony. "Their example reminds us that service remains as important today as it has ever been." The event concluded with a call to remember with gratitude those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom, and to continue working towards a more secure and peaceful world. The British High Commission expressed its appreciation to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Government of The Gambia, the Gambian security services and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the event.
Press release
The British High Commission in Banjul joined the Government of The Gambia, members of the armed and security services, religious leaders, diplomats, veterans and members of the public to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts during a solemn Act of Remembrance held at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.
The ceremony paid tribute to the men and women who served, fought and died in defence of peace and freedom, with particular recognition given to Gambian veterans and servicemen whose contributions formed an important part of the Allied war effort.
Speaking at the event, the British High Commissioner reflected on this year's Remembrance theme, "Service in a Changing World," noting that while the nature of modern conflicts and security challenges continues to evolve, the values of courage, duty, professionalism and selfless service remain unchanged.
The ceremony highlighted the enduring significance of remembrance, bringing together people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds to honour the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces community, their families, and emergency services personnel.
Attendees were reminded of the profound human cost of war. More than 20 million soldiers lost their lives during the First World War, while millions more perished during the Second World War and conflicts that followed. The Remembrance poppy, worn during the ceremony, serves as a symbol not of victory, but of remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.
Particular tribute was paid to Gambian soldiers who fought alongside British and Allied forces in both World Wars, serving with distinction in Africa and the Far East. A total of 236 Gambian servicemen who lost their lives are commemorated at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Fajara.
The ceremony also recognised the strong and evolving partnership between the British and Gambian Armed Forces, built on shared values, mutual respect and a common commitment to peace and security.
Addressing guests, the British High Commission emphasised the importance of remembrance in preserving history, fostering national unity and inspiring future generations to uphold the principles of peace and freedom.
"While the circumstances of service may change, the willingness of men and women to serve others remains constant," attendees heard during the ceremony. "Their example reminds us that service remains as important today as it has ever been."
The event concluded with a call to remember with gratitude those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom, and to continue working towards a more secure and peaceful world.
The British High Commission expressed its appreciation to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Government of The Gambia, the Gambian security services and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the event.