Hon. Guy Joseph recently stressed the need for Saint Lucians to be more knowledgeable about the country’s role in World War I and World War II.

Mr. Joseph made those remarks during an address at the annual Remembrance Day Reunion Ceremony of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, on Nov. 12. The ceremony took place at the official residence of the prime minister, following the laying of wreaths at memorials at the Derek Walcott Square, George V Park, Choc Cemetery and Vieux-Fort.

The acting prime minister noted that not enough is known, especially by young people, about the brave men and women from Saint Lucia and the West Indies.

“We had faithful, brave Saint Lucians who put their lives on the line to allow us to be born in a part of the world where freedom is something we can treasure, and where we have the opportunity to enjoy life in a manner we can be proud of,” he said. “We did not inherit that by our own doing. It was these brave soldiers who went out and risked everything to allow us to enjoy this freedom.

“I remember as a child we bought one of those flowers and dropped the money in tin. But the true essence of what it represented was not well taught and I believe that we need to reset that button. Our children need to know, not just about the poppy, but to know the names of our ex-service members. Around this time of year we support the poppy appeal, but I want to encourage each Saint Lucian that this support should not be just around this time of year but throughout the year.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, HE Dame Pearlette Louisy, who further invited suggestions and ideas on sustaining the observance of Remembrance Day in Saint Lucia, particularly as many of the members of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League are advanced in age.

Acting Prime Minister Hon. Guy Joseph has pledged the support of the Government of Saint Lucia in keeping the memory of servicemen alive.