All those in full time education on the Island are set to receive a specially minted coin to mark the centenary of Armistice Day at the end of the First World War.
They will each be given a distinctive 50 pence coin featuring red poppies, commissioned by the Treasury. Each coin will be presented in its own individual display case.
The coin shows an image of the First World War soldier from the Douglas war memorial, with the words 'Their name liveth for evermore' and the dates '1914 1918', beneath which are the Roman numerals 'XI.XI.XI' as a reminder of the final time and date of the War's end. The edge of the coin is decorated with red poppies, with the image of the Queen on the obverse.
Cupro-Nickel versions of these coins, without the red poppies, will be placed into general circulation.
A launch event to mark the production of the coin, and the gift presentation, is set to be held at the Legislative Buildings on 31 October, with the President of Tynwald, Speaker of the House of Keys, the Chief Minister and Treasury Minister in attendance, along with a number of other specially invited guests.
Speaking as the news of the coin was announced, Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, said:
'This centenary is one of enormous importance in our Island's, and the world's, history. It is appropriate that we not only look back with dignity to the events of 100 years ago but also look forward positively as well. That is why the gift of these special coins to the young people of our Island, those whose lives will do so much to shape our future, has such importance and such weight.'
His views were echoed by the Treasury Minister, Alfred Cannan MHK, who commented:
'There are a host of commemorative events happening to mark the end of the First World War, here at home, across the UK and around the world. This is our way of acknowledging the huge sacrifices made in the First World War. A war in which 8,261 Manx men enlisted in the armed forces, and in which 1,165 lost their lives.
'The coins will ensure that those in education today will have a keepsake which will always remind them of this special and poignant moment in our history.'
At the same event two specially minted £50 commemorative coins, made from pure silver and decorated with gold-plated poppies, will be presented. One will be offered to Steve Rodan MLC, the President of Tynwald and President of the Isle of Man County Branch of the Royal British Legion. The other will be presented to Juan Watterson SHK, the Speaker of the House of Keys, and will then be placed in a prominent position within the Legislative Buildings to act as a permanent reminder of the presentation and the occasion it marks.
Speaking before the event the President of Tynwald said:
'I will be delighted to accept this magnificent coin on behalf of both Tynwald and the Royal British Legion. The Legion does so much to help and support our armed forces’ veterans, of all ages, and I know that they will all share my appreciation and join in my heartfelt thanks.'
