Nation Salutes War Heroes on “Remembrance Day”

THE “REMEMBRANCE DAY”, the popularly called, 'Poppy Day', annually organized by the Ex-Servicemen's Association in memory of fallen War Heroes was held at Viharamahadevi Park Colombo on Sunday (08) attended by a host of distinguished guests and service personnel.

The Chief Guest of the event, Former Army Commander General (Retd) Hamilton Wanasinghe and other invited guests were welcomed at the entrance by the senior office bearers of the Ex-Servicemen's Association pinning a poppy flower on them.
 
After a two-minute silence was observed, the Last Post by Tri-services buglers was sounded bringing everybody present to attention in memory of the Remembered. Religious observances of four major faiths were conducted by respective priests and then the National Anthem was recited.
 
Next was the time to pay floral tributes in memory of all valiant servicemen who sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars and those who died combating terrorism and insurgencies in the country. The Chief Guest and other invitees including Chiefs of Staff representing Commanders of the Tri-services, foreign diplomats and military officers, living soldiers who fought during the World War II and soldiers who became differently-able during the war in the north and east placed floral wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph.

Culmination of the Remembrance Day programme saw a smart parade that saluted the cenotaph.  Sri Lanka Air Force Band, Tri-service soldiers, Ex servicemen and Sri Lankan soldiers who served with the Royal Army, marched past with their shining decorations and dignity.