A Brief History and what to expect this year

1. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

2. From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for Comox–Alberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to “Remembrance Day”. The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931.

3. Every year on November 11, there is a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the many Caymanians who have served throughout our nation’s history and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

4. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Cayman Island Veterans Association to provide assistance to Veterans.

5. Remembrance Day is a holiday in the Cayman Islands and will be celebrated on Monday, November 10, 2014.

6. A Remembrance Day ceremony is held throughout the Cayman Islands, The ceremony for Grand Cayman is held at the Cenotaph, located at the Elmslie Memorial Church, Harbour Drive. The Cayman Brac ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Stake Bay. Both take place on Sunday November 9 2014 commencing at 11am.

7. Governor Helen Kilpatrick C.B. and Premier Hon. Alden Mclaughlin preside over the ceremony. It is also attended by other government officials, Veterans, representatives of Veterans’ organizations, diplomatic representatives, other dignitaries, as well as the general public.

8. In advance of the ceremony, a parade will be led by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and Marching Band. Other organisations participating will be the Veterans; Fire Service; Prison Service; Girls Brigade; Scouts & Guides; Cadet Corps; Pathfinders; Lions Club of Grand Cayman; and the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens. Veterans Association members will collect an offering during the service. They will march away to officially close the ceremony.

9. Some of the 54 Commonwealth member states, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, observe the tradition of Remembrance Day on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

1. The United States used to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11. However, in 1954 they changed the name to Veterans Day.