Remembering the Brave, the fallen 

A special ceremony to remember and honour “the bravery and sacrifice of military veterans who have served both at home and abroad” was held on Sunday at Memorial Park in Belize City.

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) said that during the ceremony “ex-servicemen gathered to lay wreaths in a solemn act of remembrance, standing united with veterans worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the courage, resilience, and enduring legacy of those who served in the armed forces.”

Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring the Belizean soldiers who served and sacrificed in the British armed forces, particularly during the two World Wars. This day is deeply rooted in the nation’s historical ties to Britain and commemorates not just veterans of global conflicts but also recognising the contributions of those who have defended Belize’s sovereignty and peace.

Belize’s involvement in these wars may not be widely known internationally, but for Belizeans, the sacrifices are deeply respected and remembered every year.

The Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League plays a pivotal role in keeping the memory of these soldiers alive by ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten.

Remembrance Day in Belize, like in many Commonwealth countries, is marked by the wearing of poppies, a symbol inspired by the red poppies that grew on the battlefields of Flanders in World War I. The day is also associated with a minute of silence at 11:00 a.m., reflecting on the armistice signed on November 11, 1918, which ended World War I.

Each year, commemorative events are held at Memorial Park in Belize City, a site dedicated to those who lost their lives in the two world wars. These ceremonies typically involve a wreath-laying service, parades by veterans and current members of the Belize Defence Force, and prayers of remembrance.