By Milton Tella – A memorial to honor the five million men and women from Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent who volunteered to serve with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars was held at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, in London on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March 2023.
The Memorial Gates Council in partnership with the Royal British Legion organised the ceremony, which was in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Windrush Generation. 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, officially inaugurated the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London on 6 November, 2002. Since then, there has been a wreath laying ceremony every year. Recently this has been organised on Commonwealth Day and this year on the 13 March. Government representatives from across the world paid respects in the time-honoured way.
The High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, represented his country to celebrate and honour the contributions that these men and women, their descendants and members of the commonwealth family, continue to make to the rich diversity of British society.
Ambassador Isola performed the wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Gates alongside other distinguished, invited guests and top officials of foreign governments.
His handwritten message on the Royal British Legion card pinned to the wreath was: “Remembering the heroes of the Commonwealth on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Nigeria’s Ambassador Isola highlighted his country’s commitment to the Commonwealth and promised that the gallant service and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought during the First and Second World Wars would not be forgotten.
His Excellency, Ambassador Isola further added, “I am proud of the historic role of the Nigerian Armed Service personnel in helping to save millions of lives around the world.”
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