The annual Remembrance Sunday Divine Service, held in honour of those who fought and lost their lives in war, as well as those who served and survived, took place at the Cenotaph in Jamestown on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Father Rudi Marais conducted the Divine Service, which was attended by Her Excellency (HE) Governor Ms Belinda Lewis and Major Anthony Galvin (USMC Retd.).
The Service began with Fr Rudi welcoming those in attendance and reading passages from the Holy Scriptures, followed by prayers. HE Governor Lewis then led the Act of Remembrance.
The Last Post was played, followed by a two-minute silence and the Reveille. HE Governor Lewis then laid the Territory’s wreath, followed by wreaths laid on behalf of the President of the French Republic, the Government of St Helena, the St Helena Legislative Council, the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Merchant Navy, the Royal St Helena Police Service, the St Helena Fire and Sea Rescue Service, and the St Helena Veterans Association. Members of the public also laid tributes at the Cenotaph.
The Kohima Epitaph was then recited by HE Governor Lewis, commemorating the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for future generations.
During the Service, prayers were led by Pastor Anthony Hopkins, Rector Darren Peters, Pastor Nathan Oakes, Deacon Edgar Crowie, Fr Ernest Fritz, Fr Rudi and Captain Antony Palmer. The prayers remembered those who lost their lives in war, their families and loved ones, members of the armed forces serving in dangerous circumstances, civilians affected by conflict, peacemakers, and peacekeepers, and those in positions of leadership.
The congregation also joined in the Lord’s Prayer, led by Captain Antony.
The Service included an Act of Commitment, led by Fr Rudi, during which those present pledged to strive for peace, seek to heal the wounds of war and work towards a just future for all humanity.
Following the sharing of the Peace, the National Anthem was sung, and Fr Rudi concluded the Service with a blessing.
Remembrance Sunday provided an opportunity for the community to come together to remember with gratitude those who made the ultimate sacrifice during times of war, while also honouring and paying tribute to those who served and survived.
Photos:
HE Governor Ms Belinda Lewis delivering her speech
Wreaths laid at the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday Service
Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, MBE, laying a wreath at the Cenotaph
1st Jamestown Scouts
Representatives of uniformed organisations attending the Service
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