The Jamaica Defence Force has given its fallen a permanent place to be remembered. The JDF has officially unveiled its Fallen Soldier Monument, dubbed The Parade, at the Jamaica Military Museum and Library at Up Park Camp in Kingston, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

The monument honours 26 fallen soldiers who died during military operations from 1976 to 2024. It recognises their service, sacrifice and enduring contribution to Jamaica, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

The unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday, November 5, under the theme “Lest We Forget: Honouring Their Sacrifice, Preserving Their Legacy,” according to the Jamaica Information Service. CMC reporting, carried by Caribbean Today and CANA News, confirmed the same details.

We Will Remember Them

Chief of Defence Staff Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman said the installation ensures the memory of these heroes is forever preserved in the collective history of the nation, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

“As we gather to dedicate and unveil this monument in honour of the men and women of the Jamaica Defence Force who lost their lives while serving, we remember them with pride and with gratitude for what they gave to Jamaica,” she said, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

“They have contributed to Jamaica’s security and that will endure through those they left behind. Through their courage, commitment, honour, integrity, loyalty and discipline, they helped shape the Jamaica Defence Force we serve in today,” she added.

She also spoke to the generations coming behind. “In the years ahead, recruits, serving members, visitors will stand here where we stand now; I hope they will pause. They will pause to learn about the people this monument seeks to honour,” she said, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

Built by the Force, for the Fallen

The push for the monument came from inside the ranks. Former Force Sergeant Major, Ex Warrant Officer Class One, Michael Moulton was an advocate for the creation of the monument to commemorate the fallen, and the concept was approved by the general staff board, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

The artistic concept and architectural design was developed by Captain Matthew McFarlane and the monument was constructed by the One Engineer Regiment of the JDF, according to the Jamaica Information Service. It stands directly in front of the Jamaica Military Museum and Library.

Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman closed the charge plainly: “For those of us who wear the uniform, remembrance entails responsibility. We honour our fallen through the way we serve and support one another,” according to the Jamaica Information Service.

The Parade now stands at Up Park Camp, in the week Jamaica turns toward Remembrance Day, carrying 26 names across five decades of service.

Nation, what does a permanent monument like this mean for the families of the fallen, and for the young recruits who will pass it every day?

Graphic: Jamroc Nation, built for this story. Reporting: Jamaica Information Service, and CMC via Caribbean Today