Every evening since 1928, with the exception of the war years 1940-1944, the Last Post has been played under the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, Belgium. Thursday 09 July 2015 will witness the 30,000th time the daily ceremony has been performed by buglers from the local volunteer fire stations.
Fire stations throughout the world are being invited to be part of the occasion by hosting their own commemorations to coincide with the official Last Post ceremony in Belgium.
All seven Isle of Man stations – Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Castletown, Port Erin, Laxey and Kirk Michael – will be marking the event, billed as ‘A Tribute for the Tribute’. Members of the public will be encouraged to join invited guests to participate in a ceremony, which will feature the reading of a commemorative text followed by a moment of silent contemplation.
It is hoped that a bugler will be in place at each station in the Island to play the Last Post, the traditional final salute to the fallen.
Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom will lead the commemorations at Douglas Fire Station. He will welcome guests before reading a short text, written specially for the occasion by Flemish actor Wim Opbrouck. Guests are asked to arrive at 6.45pm, with the Last Post being sounded at 7.30pm and the closing address at 7.45pm.
Similar arrangements will be in place at the Island’s other six stations, with speeches delivered by the local Station Officer or another member of the station staff.
CFO Groom said:
‘In wind and rain, sunshine or snow, the buglers from the volunteer fire stations do not miss a day to honour the fallen at the Menin Gate. The 30,000th playing of the Last Post provides an opportunity to reflect the worldwide solidarity among firefighters, as well as commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in the Great War.’
He added: ‘I believe it is important for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service to play an active part in this tribute. All seven of our stations will be opening their doors on 09 July for a quiet and dignified coming together of local communities. I hope as many members of the public as possible will attend their local station to join our firefighters in paying their respects.’
The daily tribute at the Menin Gate is organised by the Last Post Association as a way to remember the many thousands of casualties from World War One, including those whose bodies were never recovered. Originally, the Last Post was the bugle call that announced the end of the working day for soldiers.
Home Affairs Minister and Armed Forces Champion Juan Watterson MHK commented:
‘There is a tremendous sense of camaraderie within the firefighting community and it is fitting that officers from around the world will be supporting this event. The 30,000th sounding of the Last Post at the Menin Gate is a significant milestone and will give people an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War One, including many people from the Isle of Man.’
The official ceremony in Belgium will be streamed live on the internet and further information is available at http://www.gonewest.be/en/last-post/30000th-last-post
