Liberation Day service to remember slave workers

The service is due to be held at Westmount Crematorium at 3 pm on Tuesday 9 May.

Organiser Gary Font, the son of Spanish Republican forced worker Francisco Font, who was among several wartime workers who made Jersey their home after the war, said that everyone was welcome to attend the event.

The annual commemoration is due to be held at the memorial dedicated to the workers who were imprisoned and ill-treated during the Second World War as they were forced to build fortifications, tunnels and sea defences.

Mr Font said: ‘A simple ceremony has been held every Liberation Day to remember the slave and forced workers for more than 50 years, and I and my fellow organisers are proud to carry on this very important Island tradition.’

This year’s speaker is Paula Thelwell, chairwoman of the Holocaust Memorial Day Jersey Committee.

The wreath laying ceremony will be led by the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.

Wreaths will also be laid by the Bailiff, William Bailhache, Chief Minister Ian Gorst, dignitaries from the Island’s religious communities and families of forced workers.

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