In the early morning sunlight, a 99-year-old man stood tall at the Christiansburg War Cemetery in Accra.
Ex-Warrant Officer Class I Joseph Ashitey Hammond, Ghana’s last surviving World War II veteran, is seen in a solemn mood, honoring his fallen comrades on Remembrance Day—a reminder of those who sacrificed everything so that future generations might live in peace.
As the world gathered to pay homage to these heroes on November 11, his message carried a new urgency, particularly for his own country as it approaches a tense election month.
Joseph Ashitey Hammond was only 16 when he set out from Ghana’s shores to fight in a war that changed the course of history. He participated in the Burma Campaign, fought in the British colony of Burma, where he witnessed the brutality of combat, the loss of friends, and the heavy toll war took on humanity.
Today, at 99 years old, he is the sole remaining voice of his generation in Ghana—a living memory of World War II.
Despite his age, Ex-WOI Hammond continues to stand as a symbol of courage and dedication, embodying the sacrifices made by Ghanaians who served in the war.
Speaking from his experience, he has a crucial message for Ghanaians as they head into the 2024 elections: peace is invaluable.
He urges his fellow citizens at the British High Commissioner’s residence on Monday to remember the horrors of war and choose unity over division.
Mr. Hammond implores everyone—candidates, voters, and law enforcement—to approach the electoral process with respect and integrity.
“To our youth, do not heed anyone who asks you to go and fight. That is bad advice because elections are not for you to fight. Your party can win today, and the next time your opponent’s party can emerge victorious. So, do not fight under any circumstance. We want peace,” he stressed.
His poignant appeal for a fair, impartial, and peaceful election reflects the lessons he learned on the battlefield and the values he has championed ever since.
The British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson, echoed Mr. Hammond’s sentiments, acknowledging the immense debt owed to veterans like him. She reminded those gathered of the importance of recognizing these sacrifices, particularly at a time when global peace and stability can often seem fragile.
“We honor, today, all those who have served, no matter the country or which war, and we give our thanks to everybody’s service, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
The Significance of Remembrance Day: Honoring Those Who Paid the Ultimate Price
Observed every November 11, Remembrance Day serves as a global tribute to the countless soldiers who gave their lives in the World Wars.
The 79th ceremony held by the British High Commission in Ghana is a continuation of this tradition, a moment to pause and acknowledge the debt owed to the fallen.
For many, it is an opportunity to reflect on the peace that these soldiers fought to secure—a peace that, at times, can be taken for granted by those who did not witness the violence of war firsthand.
In Ghana, the ceremony takes on particular significance. During World War II, thousands of young men from the then-Gold Coast enlisted, many never to return home. For those who did, like Mr. Hammond, their experiences became a reminder that peace comes at a high cost.
Remembrance Day is not only a tribute to the past but also a reminder of the responsibilities of the present—to honor the memories of the fallen by preserving the peace they fought for and educating younger generations on the value of unity.
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