2005

Third Anniversary of The Memorial Gates, Commemorating First & Second World War volunteers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kingdom of Nepal, Africa and the Caribbean

Ceremony Marks 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II

London UK - The Memorial Gates Committee will be holding its third annual wreath laying ceremony on 11th November 2005 at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill. Marking the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II, this celebration falls on the actual Remembrance Day, on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m. The ceremony will pay special tribute to the five million men and women from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Nepal, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces of Britain during the First and Second World Wars.

The Memorial Gates were erected to serve as a lasting symbol of gratitude to all those who volunteered and as a remembrance of their bravery and dedication. The Gates were officially inaugurated by Her Majesty The Queen in November of 2002, her Golden Jubilee year. They also commemorate the heritage of the soldiers’ descendants, who now form an integral part of modern British society.

Each of the four stone columns of The Gates is carved with the names of the countries that participated in the first and second world wars, and the dome of the Pavilion is adorned with the names of those who were awarded the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. Two stone benches on either side of this Pavilion bear the names of the campaigns in which the volunteers participated.

Baroness Shreela Flather JP DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Trust, says, “This is the time we should remember that the two major turning points in North Africa and Burma during the Second World War may not have been successful had it not been for the two and a half million volunteers from the Indian subcontinent. Professor David Dilkes, a World War II historian, has said that the contribution of United India, in men and materials, was greater than that of all the other colonies and dominions put together.”

Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer and Chairman of the Memorial Gates Committee, adds, "We will be forever grateful for the noble sacrifice made by the five million men and women from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Africa and the Caribbean in the First and Second World Wars. Their courage and fortitude are an inspiration for us and for generations ahead and they will always be remembered and recognised by this London landmark."

The Bishop of London will be speaking to mark the occasion and the High Commissioners of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Nepal and Jamaica will lay wreaths and pay their respects. Also attending are Sir Ian Blair QPM, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police; Field Marshal Sir John Chapple GCB CBE DL, who will be laying a wreath on behalf of the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Prince of Wales; Commonwealth Secretariat Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon; Jonathan Iremonger, Director of Veterans Policy Unit, MoD; Field Marshal the Lord Inge KG, GCB, PC, DL and Lady Inge; Councillor Alan Bradley, The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens; The Rt Hon Donald McKinnon, Secretary General of the Commonwealth; The Rt Hon Adam Ingram MP, Minister of Armed Forces and The Rt Hon Paul Boateng, The High Commissioner to the British High Commission in South Africa, as well as veterans and cadets.

Baroness Flather JP DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Trust, and Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Committee, will be available for media interviews alongside the High Commissioners and other representatives.