Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was among the persons laying wreaths at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Government House on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1. Photo: Government House

The Remembrance Day ceremony, held at Government House, brought together veterans, elected representatives and members of the community to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families. Photo: Government House

The ceremony was led by VISAR’s Mr J. Phil Aspinall MBE, centre, veteran of the Royal Air Force, as Master of Ceremonies. Photo: Government House

Mr Andre S.L. Braithwaite, MBE, right, played 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille', signalling the start and the end of the two minutes' silence. Photo: Government House

A scene from the Remembrance Day ceremony at Government House on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: Government House

The Remembrance Day ceremony, held at Government House, brought together veterans, elected representatives and members of the community to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The late Sam Welch remembered

Governor Daniel Pruce paid tribute to those members of our community who dedicated their lives to duty, service and the wellbeing of others, especially those who are no longer with us. He paid tribute to veteran Simon Welch, aka ‘Sam’, whose passing earlier this year was felt deeply by many, and whose family were in attendance on Wednesday and laid a wreath in his honour.

The ceremony was led by VISAR’s Mr J. Phil Aspinall MBE, veteran of the Royal Air Force, as Master of Ceremonies, and opened with a prayer by HMP Balsam Ghut's Bishop Dr Paul A. Ricketts.

Veteran of the British Army, Mr David Norris, OBE, read 'The Exhortation' and Mr Andre S.L. Braithwaite, MBE, played 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille', signalling the start and the end of the two minutes' silence.

Guard of Honour

According to the Office of the Governor, members of the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps played an important role, forming a guard of honour and handing wreaths to the Governor, Premier Wheatley, and Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police, Richard Ullger.

Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr Dennis McDonald, gave a moving recital of 'In Flanders Field' - a tradition since 1995. Video of the rendition to come.

Poppy Day is another name for Remembrance Day, which marks the end of World War I hostilities, which ceased at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918 — “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”