On Sunday 11th November 2007, The Gambia will join the international community to observe Remembrance Day.

By celebrating this fateful date, our minds will dwell on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918 during which the world rejoiced and celebrated the end of four years of bitter war.

The Armistice that was signed was a clear indication that the war was over. The role played by Gambians in different battlefields in Europe demonstrated their dedication to the principles of peace, freedom and democracy
Known as Armistice Day, the occasion constitutes a great moment to plunge into a date of historic significance.

 This first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between 9 to 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one-third of them with no known graves. The allied nations chose this day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.

For many Gambians and African veterans, the day itself also re-echoes the struggle against colonialism. The occasion is also an opportunity to commemorate the death of millions of Africans during the "Long March" towards Independence. Certainly, the commemoration will not only be given added significance, but a universal dimension as well.

One can hope that Remembrance Day will continue to be celebrated from this perspective, as the idea of liberty, human rights are important pillars of any democratic system. Our modern world needs to address these issues for the betterment of humanity.