Remembrance Day in the Cayman Islands is marked on the second Monday of every November. The holiday is on a Monday in Cayman Islands, while many countries mark it on 11 November regardless of the day of the week.
On this day, The Cayman Islands pay tribute to the veterans who fought during World War I. Observation of the important day includes a parade and a ceremony of wreath laying which is presided by Governor and Premier and attended by other officials, veterans, representatives of veterans organizations and the general public.
Remembrance Day was observed for the first time in 1919 by the countries of the British Commonwealth as Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Till 1930 Armistice Day was observed on the Monday of the week closest to November 11, when the House of Commons passed the bill changing the name of the day to Remembrance Day and fixing its date to November 11.
8.5 million troops lost their lives during the first World War. In 1915 15,600 men from the region volunteered with the British West Indies Regiment and in 1916 300 Caymanians joined the British Merchant Navy to contribute to the war effort.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the risks posed to elderly and vulnerable veterans as well as other attendees, Grand Cayman’s annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Ceremony will not take place this year.
“Despite all the changes that have come with 2020, we still encourage everyone to find alternate ways to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf, until we are allowed to once again come together,” said Cabinet Secretary, Mr Samuel Rose.
Here are some ways that Cayman has commemorated the fallen soldiers this year:
- The poppy appeal. “Poppies are symbolic of those who have given their lives while fighting for the freedoms enjoyed today. Members of the public are encouraged to wear their poppies with pride. Although they can be obtained free-of-charge at various locations, the public is invited to give donations to support local veterans,” said Ms Meloney Syms, Chief of Protocol.
- By educating school children about the contributions of the many soldiers during the first World War. “Our young people too need to recognise the sacrifice made for the freedom we all enjoy today. There is no better way to honour the past than to promise a better future,” said Governor, Martyn Roper.
- On Rememberance Day Sunday, in a private ceremony at the Cenotaph, the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Veterans Association, the Seafarers Association, the Commanding Officer of the Cayman Islands Regiment and the Governor laid wreaths in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the World Wars. In Cayman Brac, celebrations were held on the lawn of District Administration Building. “Today’s remembrance service seemed even more poignant than normal without the usual parade,” remarked Premier, Alden McLaughlin yesterday.
- The Cayman Islands will observe a two-minute silence (at home or in the workplace) at 11am on Wednesday November 11. (11th hour/11th day/11th month).
- By watching the Cayman Islands Government Remembrance Day special (see below)
Source: Cayman Loop