British Embassy in Beirut marks 'Remembrance Day'
On Sunday 8 November, the British Embassy in Beirut held a service at the Beirut Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery to commemorate Remembrance Day. This annual event takes place as close as possible to 11 November, the date of the end of the First World War in 1918. Its purpose is to honour the sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the service of their country, from the UK, the Commonwealth, from all the nations who gathered together including from Lebanon.
The British Chargé d'affaires, Victoria Dunne, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by readings from the German Deputy Head of Mission, Yasmin Raya, US Deputy Chief of Mission, Keith Hanigan, French Defence Attaché, Colonel Bruno Costantini and Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Tom Wilson.
A two-minute silence was held at the end of the service as a mark of respect. Wreaths were laid by ambassadors, diplomats and military attachés of US, European and Commonwealth countries and official representatives from the Lebanese and foreign Armed Forces.
The service was conducted by Father Tony Karam, Priest at St George Parish in Hadath. British Defence Attaché, Lt Col Charles Smith also attended alongside representatives of the Lebanese Army Commander, General Rodolph Haykal and of the Director General of the General Security, General Hasan Choucair.
