KING’S HOUSE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Good morning.
- It is a pleasure for me to host members of the Royal Air Forces Association of Jamaica as you launch your annual Wings Appeal fund-raiser ahead of a week of activities to mark the Battle of Britain which was waged in 1940, when British and Commonwealth forces repelled the enemy forces which threatened invasion of England.
· Many Jamaicans enlisted in the Royal Air Forces during World War II and were part of that successful combat for world freedom and to prevent the Nazis from achieving global dominance. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice. At the end of the war, some soldiers remained in England where they made significant contributions to the development of that country, while others returned to Jamaica and impacted the nation as our local circumstances demanded.
- These ex-service officers gave so much of themselves to the world and also to their country and it is only fitting that we show our appreciation for their service and dedication.
- Their commitment to service is undoubtedly an inspiration to succeeding generations of service officers, in particular the men and women of the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing.
- I encourage all Jamaicans to join me in supporting the Royal Air Forces Association of Jamaica Wings Appeal. Your contribution to RAFA will help to provide for the welfare and necessary specialist care of our ex-service personnel and their families, elderly and disabled ex-service officers, as well as RAFA pensioners, widows and widowers.
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I thank all our serving officers for your hard work and for your commitment to Jamaica. The lives you touch, especially in the areas of search and rescue and medical reconnaissance, are a testimony of your commitment.
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Best wishes for the success of your fund raising activities as well as for your week of celebrations.