The annual Remembrance Day church service honouring Jamaican veterans of World War 1 (1914-1918) and World War 11 (1940-1945) will be held at National Heroes Park on Sunday November 11, 2012.

 The Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen and Minister of National Security Hon. Peter Bunting (representing Prime Minister Hon. Portia Simpson Miller) as well as other public officials will lay floral tributes and pay their respects to veteran soldiers at the event.

Additionally, members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will provide a ceremonial guard and sentries.The public is invited to the service.  Similar services will be held across the island.

Remembrance Day is celebrated internationally.  Major Rohan Johnson  of the JDF says it is important because “as a nation we must recognize the sacrifice made for the country by those who made a commitment to serve their country all their lives and have given the ultimate sacrifice”.

 In addition to attending the church services islandwide, Major Johnson says members of the public may show their support for the veterans by supporting the Jamaica Poppy appeal.  According to him, while the Poppies are not for sale, persons are asked to make a donation which will be used for the upkeep of veterans. “Persons may donate but if they don’t have they can and will still be offered a poppy.”

 Major Johnson noted that in previous years Remembrance Day has not received very much attention or publicity, however he expects that going forward people will recognize this day as they would other publicly recognized days.

 Members of the public who plan to attend the service at National Heroes Park are asked to be seated by 10:10 a.m. for the service which starts at 10:55 a.m.