Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honor armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919,[1] the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. In most countries, Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of First World War hostilities. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918, in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 am.) The First World War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.[2]
When I served in the Solomon Islands as the Commissioner of Police I always arranged to recognize Remembrance Day with a short ceremony which included the laying of wreaths by the heads of the various diplomatic missions, including the representative of the European Union and for the very first time, in 1999, by the then head of the Japanese Mission in Honiara.
I do not know whether the tradition I started continues but I hope all might just reflect today on all those who fought and lost their lives in the Solomon Islands during the Second World War, on the sea, on land, and in the air, including Solomon Islands coastwatchers, US marines, and flyers, Australian sailors, such as those who died aboard HMAS Canberra in Iron Bottom Sound, New Zealand troops and those of the Imperial Japanese forces,
LEST WE FORGET.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
