Troops prepared to honour veterans ‘regardless of the weather’ on Remembrance Day

Rain or shine, troops will march during Sunday’s Remembrance Day Parade, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Brigadier Carlos Lovell said Saturday, noting the importance of honouring the nation’s veterans and war heroes. 

The annual event, set to take place at National Heroes Square will also feature members of the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Cadet Corps, and several other uniformed organisations in a tribute to those who served. 

“We recognise the significance of the parade and the fact that we are honouring the war dead,” Lovell said. 

“The troops on parade, both armed and unarmed, have no difficulty in sacrificing a couple of hours to pay respects. Rain or shine, the parade remains the same.”

The event, beginning at 8 a.m., will be attended by President Dame Sandra Mason, who will serve as the reviewing officer. 

In addition to paying tribute to fallen soldiers, the ceremony will honour living veterans and their families. 

Lovell encouraged the public to attend, highlighting the event’s reflection of sacrifice and gratitude.

“The spotlight tomorrow will be on our legionaries, members of the Barbados Defence Force, and other Commonwealth services,” Lovell added. 

“These men and women have worked tirelessly, and in some cases, paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we enjoy the freedoms we do today. This is a day for Barbados to say thank you.”

He added that tents will be in place to protect members of the diplomatic corps and other officials from any potential rain, “but the troops are prepared to honour their duty regardless of the weather.”

Describing the event as “more than a military spectacle”, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams echoed Lovell’s sentiments and further extended an invitation to the public. 

“It’s a day to say ‘thank you for your service’ to our veterans and their families,” he said.

“We owe them a debt of gratitude, and this parade is just one small way we can show it.”

The Remembrance Day Parade is part of a broader series of events leading up to Barbados’ Independence Day celebrations, which Minister Abrahams described as “a time when we re-identify ourselves as Barbadian, embracing the values that make us unique.” (SM)