KOHIMA, Nov 11: The Remembrance Day ceremony was held at the Kohima War Cemetery was held on November 11, with British Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Andrew Fleming attending as a special guest.
In his address, Dr. Fleming thanked the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, and the state government for their continued observance of Remembrance Day since the Battle of Kohima. He praised the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Association, supported by the Nagaland government, in maintaining the War Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for many fallen heroes.
Dr. Fleming noted that the remoteness of Kohima from Europe has led to the Battle of Kohima being referred to as “The Forgotten Battle.” Reflecting on the bravery of British, Indian, Australian, and Canadian forces, he stressed the ongoing significance of their contributions in shaping history. He quoted the famous line, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” reminding the attendees of the importance of remembering this historic battle.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted the words inscribed on the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today,” calling them a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made. Rio expressed his deep appreciation for Dr. Fleming’s leadership in organizing the Remembrance Day program, as well as for the collaboration between the British High Commission and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Kohima.
Rio spoke of the Kohima War Cemetery as a poignant symbol of sacrifice, honoring the 1,420 Allied soldiers buried there and the 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers cremated according to their faith. The cemetery is located on the very grounds where the Battle of Kohima took place, a fierce conflict that saw hand-to-hand combat and ultimately ensured the triumph of freedom and democracy. Rio emphasized the significance of the cemetery, which not only honors the fallen soldiers but also embodies the spirit of resilience.
He recounted how 79 years ago, Allied and Indian forces fought together to halt the enemy’s advance, shifting the tides of World War II. Rio also acknowledged the vital support of the Naga people during the battle, noting that their endurance and valor were critical to the success of the operation. He called on everyone to honor not only the Allied soldiers but also the Naga people who played a crucial role in the battle’s success.
The Chief Minister also reflected on the lessons learned from war, particularly the value of peace, unity, and oneness. He stressed that the Naga people have transformed the painful memories of violence into a message for global peace. Rio urged the audience not to take the freedoms they enjoy for granted, but to honor the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives by fostering unity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
Following the ceremony, a vintage car rally was flagged off by Dr. Andrew Fleming and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including government ministers, advisors, MLAs, central and state government officials, armed forces personnel, ex-servicemen, and former army veterans.
