British Embassy in Manama Marks Remembrance Sunday with Annual Service of Remembrance
TDT | Manama
Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com
The British Embassy in Bahrain commemorated Remembrance Sunday with its annual Service of Remembrance at the embassy premises in Manama. The ceremony, held on Sunday, included a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the servicemen, women, and civilians who lost their lives in conflicts, both past and present, from all sides.
Hosted by British Ambassador to Bahrain, Alastair Long, the service was attended by Dr. Isa Nasser Al Noaimi, Undersecretary for Consular and Administrative Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as schoolchildren, faith leaders, diplomats, and members of the diplomatic and expatriate communities. The ceremony featured a two-minute silence in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, followed by a piper playing a lament to close the service.
In his address, Ambassador Long highlighted the global significance of Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, which is observed annually around the 11th of November. He reflected on the symbolic significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the moment in 1918 when the guns of the Western Front fell silent, bringing an end to the First World War. “This year we particularly remember the 80th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day landings, which were pivotal in ending the Second World War. As we honor the fallen, we also gather in the hope that peace can be achieved for those afflicted by conflicts today,” said Long.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Cole, Defence Attaché at the British Embassy, emphasized the importance of remembrance as a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the British and Allied Armed Forces and their families. He referenced the poignant inscription on the war memorial in Kohima, India: “For your tomorrow, we gave our today,” noting that it reminds us not only to honor the fallen but also to cherish and make the most of the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
The poppy, a symbol widely worn on Remembrance Day, was highlighted during the ceremony as both a reminder of those who fought for a better future and a symbol of hope for peace. This year, particular remembrance was paid to Bahraini soldiers who lost their lives at the Yemen-Saudi borders, and thoughts were extended to ongoing conflicts, including those in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon.
As in previous years, the British Embassy is supporting the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance campaign, continuing the UK’s engagement in honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for peace and stability.
The event reaffirmed the close ties between Bahrain and the UK, with Ambassador Long stressing the long-standing friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the face of global conflicts.
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