2003

Memorial Gates Trust Commemorates First and Second World War Armed Forces

Wreath laying ceremony honours volunteers from Indian Subcontinent, Africa and Caribbean

London UK - The Memorial Gates Trust will be holding a wreath laying ceremony on 7th November 2003, marking the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill. The Memorial Gates were inaugurated in 2002 by HM The Queen as a lasting memorial to the five million men and women from the Indian Subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces of Britain during the First and Second World Wars. They also celebrate the contribution that these men and women and their descendants, members of the Commonwealth family, continue to make to the rich diversity of British society.

Baroness Shreela Flather DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Trust, says “Winston Churchill called it ‘nothing short of a miracle’ that so many volunteers had come from all corners of the Empire in defence of Britain. We owe a great debt to these men and women who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedom we take for granted today.” The Trust is responsible for erecting the Gates and raising public awareness about them.

Karan Bilimoria DL, CEO of Cobra Beer and vice patron of the Memorial Gates Trust and Chairman of the Memorial Gates Committee, states, “We must never forget the enormous contribution and sacrifice of those from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean, and we will always remember and be grateful to them.”

Amongst others, wreaths will be laid by the High Commissioners of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the Nepalese Ambassador, and representatives from the West Indies and Africa.

Baroness Flather DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Trust, and Karan Bilimoria DL, vice patron of the Memorial Gates Trust and Chairman of the Memorial Gates Committee, will be available for media interviews.