Remembering the Fallen: At the Vishnu Mandir’s Fallen Soldier Monument on November 10, from left: Colonel Gerry Nudds, Major Charles Jansen, Major Giovanni Moretti, Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Lieutenant Boniface Yogendran, Dr. Budhendra Doobay and Major Sandi Banerjee.
The Guyanese Vishnu Mandir in Toronto held a commemoration ceremony paying tribute to those who gave their lives in World Wars 1 and 2. The ceremony was emceed by Guyanese Canadian Lieutenant Colonel Hari Panday.
Dr. Budhendra Doobay, Head of the Vishnu Mandir, noted in his brief remarks that there was a lot of controversy about having the Gandhi statue built so close to the Monument for the Fallen Soldier. He said people expressed concerns that Mahatma Gandhi promoted non-violence and peace while soldiers go to battle and are engaged in violence.
“The Final Inspection”, a poem about a fallen soldier’s conversation with God, was read by Colonel Gerry Nudds, and later Jean Miso sang her original song “We’ll Never Forget,” to pay homage to the soldiers who worked tirelessly for peace. Following the reading of Flanders Field and a moment of silence, three wreaths were laid at the foot of the Fallen Soldier Monument concluding the ceremony.
The ceremony at the Vishnu Mandir was preceded by a tour of the Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization. The ceremony was followed by a short reception in the Anand Bhavan Senior’s Residence.
Comments are closed.