Bengaluru: Continuing a tradition rooted in its military heritage, St Mark’s Cathedral will host its annual Remembrance Day observance Sunday, bringing together war veterans, serving armed forces personnel, diplomats and members of the congregation to honour soldiers who laid down their lives in wars and conflicts.Observed for over a century, Remembrance Day commemorates the end of hostilities on the Western Front during World War I on Nov 11, 1918. The Cathedral, which served as a garrison church for the British military before Independence, has maintained its association with the armed forces through an annual remembrance service held for the past two decades. The observance takes place on the Sunday closest to Nov 11.This year’s programme will feature two services, including a special service inside the church, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at a temporary cenotaph erected beside the Cathedral. Around 500 people are expected to attend, including a significant contingent of veterans from the Indian Armed Forces.“We are delighted and consider it a great privilege that war veterans have chosen St Mark’s Cathedral for this observance. It is a matter of immense pride and honour for us to host this solemn occasion,” said Rev D Theodore William, Presbyter-in-Charge of the Cathedral.The service will pay tribute to personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force who lost their lives in the two World Wars, subsequent military operations, counter-insurgency engagements and United Nations peacekeeping missions.Anjana Samuel, secretary of the church, said the gathering would also bring together members of the diplomatic corps, serving and retired military personnel and the congregation.The observance will also remember bereaved families and recognise the contributions and sacrifices of veterans and serving armed forces personnel.
