Phnom Penh: On Sunday, November 10th 2024, the British Embassy in Phnom Penh collaborated with the British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (BritCham), St. John Phnom Penh, the Phnom Penh Music Association (PPMA) and Medley Music Academy to host the Remembrance Day “Lest we Forget,” held at the Himawari Hotel Apartments.
In the event, Marc Thayre, Charge d’affaires of the British Embassy in Cambodia, mentions that it was 105 years ago today at Buckingham Palace that King George V held a banquet for the President of the French Republic that the first Remembrance Sunday commemoration was held.
Marc Thayre said, “Today is a special day in the British and Commonwealth calendar. It is a day where we gather, pay our respects, and remember those that fought and died on the battlefield, at sea and in the air.”
The tradition in Phnom Penh is for the British Embassy to hold this service while also having the French Embassy host Armistice Day tomorrow. It’s great to have the French Ambassador here today as we also celebrate 120 years of UK French Entente Cordial.
“I was reflecting on what to say today on my fifth and sadly last Remembrance Service in Cambodia; I thought about what this day now means to the next generation.” He continues.
“So that is another reason we have young people here today for going to participate a bit later. It is great to see the next generation here listening and observing. Remember Sunday because of the French, lest we forget can only and your if the next generation takes of that prayer. So again, thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy the rest of the day.” BritCham’s Chairman, Martin McCarthy.
The ceremony was attended by Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia, BritCham’s Chairman, Martin McCarthy, member of St. John Phnom Penh Corps, member of Himawari Hotel Apartments, representatives from the Singapore Embassy, Australian Embassy, US Defence Associate, British Armed Forces, Northbridge School, and Representative Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, H.E. Khuon Phon Rattanak.
The ceremony started with the singing of the hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country.” and the “In Flanders Field” poem by Jonh McCrae read by Northbridge School, followed by the reading of “Lest we Forget” by Commander Tim Curnock. It was followed by the Prayer for Peace led by Corps Chaplain Officer Tiv Linat of St. John Phnom Penh, and signifying a two-minute silence was followed by the reading of “Lest we Forget.”
Remembrance Day commemorates when the Armistice that ended World War I came into effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh month in 1918, a conflict that took the lives of more than 21 million soldiers and civilians.
Photo by: Engly Tuy
