By: Chaïra Flanders
Residents and Citizens paid tribute to honour the Federation’s stalwarts during the annual National Heroes Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday September 16 2019.
Held at the National Heroes Land Park, the ceremony saw government officials, members of the security forces, students and onlookers taking part in the momentous occasion as the nation honoured its National Heroes.
The five National Heroes are the Right Excellent Sir C. A. Paul Southwell, The Right Excellent Sir Joseph Nathaniel France, The Right Excellent Sir Simeon Daniel and Dr the Right Honourable and The Right Excellent Sir Kennedy Simmonds. Sir Kennedy is the only living National Hero.
During his featured address, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Hon Timothy Harris expressed pleasure in acknowledging the sons of the soil noting that all of our heroes’ contributions deserve to be celebrated.
Prime Minister Harris then used the opportunity to encourage all in attendance to adapt the same level of patriotism shown by the national heroes who helped to pave the way with dedication and sacrifice.
At the end of the ceremony, Governor General of St. Kitts and Nevis, Sir SW Tapley Seaton, GCMG CVO QC JP led the wreath laying segment while Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris followed shortly after along with families and loved ones who paid tribute to the founding fathers of the nation.
The ceremony also featured a Guard of Honour from the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
First observed in 1998, National Heroes Day also serves as the birthday of the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the first Premier of St. Kitts and Nevis.
St. Kitts and Nevis 36th Independence Celebrations are being held under the theme, “Unify, Transform, Enrich: Uplifting Communities for Independence 36”.