On Sunday, 10 November 2024, YCAPS members joined dignitaries, religious leaders and members of the public at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Hodogaya, Yokohama, to honor those who have fallen in service to their countries. The event, hosted by the Canadian Embassy Tokyo, served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers from Commonwealth nations who gave their lives in times of war.
YCAPS members began the day by meeting at Hodogaya Station, sharing taxis to the cemetery where the ceremony was held. Amidst the serene, beautifully kept grounds of Hodogaya War Cemetery, our group joined others to commemorate those lost and reflect on the costs of conflict. The event began at 10:30 AM and concluded at 11:30 AM, creating a space for remembrance and solidarity across cultures and faiths.
In a poignant display of unity, the Commonwealth Remembrance Day ceremony included commemorative observances led by representatives from various religious backgrounds, including Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths. Each representative shared words of comfort and reverence, recognizing the shared humanity and collective memory of all those affected by conflict and the universal respect for sacrifice and enduring hope for peace. As prayers were offered from different traditions, attendees joined in a moment of collective silence, honoring those whose lives were lost far from home.
As the ceremony came to a close, representatives from Commonwealth countries, along with their military attachés and other international dignitaries, laid wreaths in honor of the fallen. In the peaceful setting of the Hodogaya cemetery, attendees reflected on the sacrifices made by soldiers from across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth War Cemetery serves as a lasting tribute to these lives and stands as a powerful reminder of the human costs of conflict and the importance of unity in remembrance.