Philipsburg: -- Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and Jean Illidge laid the wreath at the monument on Captain Hodge Wharf this morning in commemoration of remembrance day. A March and moment of silence was held in respect to those who lost their lives during world war two. The flag was also raised and then brought to half mass in remembrance of the veterans and even those who lost their lives last week during the attack on the Royal family.
Lt. Governor for the island territory of St. Maarten said in a statement to the press that respect and honor must be given to those that fell during World War 2. Richards said it is because of those persons we can now live in a world of democracy since they have sacrificed their lives to make to sure there is democracy. Richards said it because of those that died our rights have been safeguarded which include the rights to communication, freedom of education, religion, and free movement of people all of which he said are very important in a democratic society. He called on the people of St. Maarten to cherish the accomplishments of these fallen soldiers as well as passing it on to the future generation since ones future depends on the freedom of life and democracy.
Richards also said another importance on this day is to recognize the fallen victims who died during the cowardly act that took place on April 30th in the Netherlands. He said seven people has lost their lives including one Antillean are among the dead. Richards also extended sympathy to the family and friends to the Antillean victims while the people of St. Maarten send their prayers to all those families that are suffering because of the attack of April 30th.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said that Remembrance Day is of great importance to the police since it was a fight for freedom. However, he called on the community to turn out and show respect since no one from the community showed up at the Captain Hodge wharf where the ceremony took place. Doran said while people are living in a free and democratic society people seems not to know the pain our forefathers went through as they fight for freedom. Doran sends an appeal to the community for next year ceremony.
Jean Illidge of the Voluntary Korps said several military soldiers has lost their lives during World War 2 and felt that these people should be given recognition and honor.
