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SINAI, Egypt (November 11, 2008) - The
Multinational Force and Observers in North Camp, Sinai, Egypt,
commemorated Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The ceremony consisted of all troop contributing nations on
Memorial Square and an honor guard standing vigil around a monument
of a crescent, a Star of David and a cross, representing three
major religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
"I think it's great that we all can come together," said Sgt.
Aaron Amos, headquarters support company, 1st Support Battalion.
"Some days are different for other people, but it's awesome that we
all can get together on our Veterans Day and some other
contingent's Veterans Day."
Americans celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11 to commemorate the
end of combat operations in World War I. Many other nations have
alternative days of honoring the sacrifice of their veterans.
Canada, the Republic of the Fiji Islands, France and the United
Kingdom celebrate Remembrance Day.
In Israel, they observe Yom Hazikaron as they celebrate their
independence in May each year; Egyptians honor their armed forces
on Oct. 6; Australians and New Zealanders honor their fallen
Soldiers and veterans on Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day,
April 25.
"All over the world a kind of remembrance day is observed," said
Norwegian Maj. Gen. Kjell Narve Ludvigsen, force commander, MFO,
who presided over the ceremony. "Different dates and names are
used, but the meaning is the same. Nations honor those who gave
their life so that all others can live in peace and have a brighter
future. The MFO nations have different ways to demonstrate their
gratefulness to fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and
the veterans who fought alongside them."
"It's a significant day in the history of the world. To be there
a part of the ceremony is quite moving," said Australian Cpl. David
Henderson. We still have a different remembrance day in Australia,
where we commemorate a different battle in Anzac Cove, but we use
that to honor our veterans from all wars.We need to appreciate the
sacrifice previous generations have made so we can enjoy the
lifestyle we have today," he continued. "They didn't have these
kinds of luxuries, but in many cases they paid the ultimate price
so that we could."
Everyone involved in the ceremony was happy to have the
opportunity to do it, seeing the remembrance less as a duty than a
tribute.
"Usually we just get picked, but I was happy to do it," said New
Zealand Cpl. Terraina Hollis. "It's important to remember those who
passed. They went through different challenges and a different war
than anything we're doing now. Today we are trying to keep the
peace, and we have them to thank for giving it to us."
"I did the vigil two years ago back in Winnipeg [Canada], and it
is always an honor to be picked for it," said Canadian Leading
Seaman Jaclyn Hunter. "As a fellow Soldier and a Canadian, I think
it's important we remember the sacrifices others have made so that
we can be where we are today."
For others, the ceremony was very personal.
"To me it was very emotional, especially since I've had friends
who have died in Iraq," said Spc. Yvencia Guerrier, headquarters
and headquarters detachment, Task Force Sinai. "As the chaplain was
praying, tears were just coming out of my eyes for my friends who
died, so this is a good way to remember old Soldiers and this is a
good way to honor all the different contingents who have lost
Soldiers as well."
Ludvigsen recognized his fellow Peacekeepers serving with him
here, today, as well as those who had gone before.
"To observe Remembrance Day is to dedicate ourselves to the
cause of peace," said Ludvigsent. "To everyone in the MFO, I thank
you for your service on this special day. We must continue to
perform our important role as peacekeepers to the best of our
ability as a tribute to those who have gone before us. In doing so,
we show that we believe what our predecessors worked so hard to
achieve is worth protecting."
At 11 a.m., Ludvigsen requested the assembly join him in a
moment of silence. The assembly observed two minutes of silence as
they reflected on the importance of this occasion.
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