The Hague: The Embassy of India on behalf of the Commonwealth-Netherlands Joint Committee of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission hosted a Commonwealth Remembrance Day Service at the Westduin Cemetery in The Hague on November 12, 2017 to honour the sacrifices of Commonwealth forces in the First and Second World Wars. The ceremony was attended by over 300 people despite inclement weather.
Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of The Netherlands H.E. Mr Venu Rajamony laid a wreath on the memorial on behalf of the Commonwealth countries. He was joined by Mr Roelof van Ees Director of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of The Netherlands, Ambassadors of Belgium, Ireland, Australia, Russia, New Zealand, Ghana and Venezuela & representatives of South Africa, Cyprus, Kenya, Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Rajamony read the poem ‘The Gift of India’ by Indian poet Sarojini Naidu and spoke about the contribution of Indian soldiers in the First and Second World War.
He said that the forces of undivided India played a significant part in both World Wars and her 163,000 dead are buried and commemorated in war cemeteries spread across 60 countries.
“Despite the harsh weather and myriad of obstacles, Indian soldiers fought bravely with a sense of duty towards their regiment and for izzat (honour)”, said Ambassador Rajamony
A special photo exhibition showcasing the contribution of Indian soldiers in World War I was displayed by the Embassy of India at the Westduin cemetery after the service. The photo exhibition will be moved to the City Hall in The Hague and will be opened by Ms Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague tomorrow (November 13, 2017). The exhibition will continue until November 17, 2017.
The Commonwealth-Netherlands Joint Committee organises the Remembrance Day ceremony annually and different embassies host the event in turns and this year it was the turn of the Embassy of India.
Event in Pictures
