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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Members of the British Legion Bahamas Branch at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Agnes Anglican Parish on Friday, November 7, 2014.
(BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas - A Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Agnes Anglican Parish on Friday, November 7, 2014 for members of the British Legion-Bahamas Branch to honour those men and women who fought in World War II.
World War II was confined to Europe from 1939 to 1945, which impacted the lives of many in the former British Colonies in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas. During that time Bahamians served in the British, American and Canadian Air Forces.
The Thanksgiving Service is a prelude to the annual Remembrance Day Service scheduled for Christ Church Cathedral, George Street at 11am on November 9, 2014.
A Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Agnes Anglican Parish on Friday, November 7, 2014 for members of the British Legion-Bahamas Branch to honour those men and women who fought in World War II. Pictured amongst the veterans outside the Veterans’ Depot are Commodore Roderick Bowe, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Senator the Hon Keith Bell, Minister of State, Ministry of National Security; and Patrick Wright, Commissioner, Department of Correctional Services. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
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The Remembrance Day Thanksgiving Service was organized by the British Legion Bahamas Branch, which was formed by World War II ex-servicemen after 1945 in order to preserve their experiences and legacies for future Bahamian generations.
Chairman of the British Legion Bahamas Branch Bishop Cephas Ferguson welcomed guests amongst the St Agnes congregation inclusive of members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Her Majesty Prisons.
Members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force participating in a Military Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at the Veterans’ Depot for Military, where The Bahamas Flag, the British Legion Flag, the Canadian Flag and the Union Jack were hoisted, following the British Legion Bahamas Branch Service of Thanksgiving at St Agnes Anglican Parish on Friday, November 7, 2014. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
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Bringing remarks was Senator the Hon Keith Bell, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, on behalf of the Minister, the Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage.
“This service, which is held each year by the members of the British Legion-Bahamas Branch pays particular tribute to our country’s heroes who served during the tragic Second World War,” Senator Bell said.
He acknowledged that it is of great significance as The Bahamas has much to commemorate for its role played in helping to dismantle the enemies of World War II and restoring peace to the world.
“We know that each year, less of our veterans are able to participate in this service physically, but it is heartening to know that in memory and spirit, they will always be present,” he said.
Senator Bell also expressed “sincere thanks” to the British Legion Bahamas Branch for their committed efforts each year in ensuring that the contributions of those who fought during World War II are not diminished or forgotten.
“These heroes forsook family to enlist in the fight to preserve peace in the world and the freedoms that we so easily take for granted in our democratic and free Christian nation,” he said.
According to Senator Bell, the observance of Remembrance Day should demonstrate to law enforcement officers and young people the importance of place above self.
“Our Government places high value and significance on service to our beautiful Bahamaland that puts our people in harm’s way and that can result in the loss of lives or persons being wounded.”
Senator Bell also urged the veterans and others to ensure that every student is informed of the role played by those who fought in the war.
“They must be aware of the role played by civic organizations such as the Bahamas Branch of the Red Cross Society and the War Materials Committee,” he said.
History would record that Nassau was used as a base for ocean patrol and airbase rescue, and during that period, the city also became a war town filled with British, American and Canadian forces.
“The Government recognizes and heralds the level of commitment and pride that has been exhibited for years by the Executive Members of the British Legion Bahamas Branch in its annual Poppy Appeal as a major fund raising activity to assist its members during the year,” Senator Bell said.
He also pledged greater Government support in ensuring that the War Veterans cemetery is up-kept, year-round.
Special prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and legacy were offered up for all war veterans. The Venerable Archdeacon I. Ranfurly Brown, Rector of St Agnes Anglican Church, delivered brief remarks that also focused on thanking the men and women for their sacrifices.
Following the church service, a Military Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at the Veterans’ Depot for Military, where the National Flag, the British Legion Flag, the Canadian Flag and the Union Jack were hoisted.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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