This year marks exactly one hundred years of Seychelles participation in the First World War . A humanitarian nightmare which lasted a little over more than four years, still vivid on the mind of many, the first World War left 10 million troops dead, 20 million injured and millions civilians victims.
To commemorate this historical event an exhibition was declared open on Thursday the 10th of November 2016 at the National Cultural Centre. It was the Director General for the department of Culture Ms. Cecille Kalebi who declared the ceremony open, in the presence of the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Ms. Idith Alexander, the deputy speaker for the National Assembly Mr. Nicholas Prea, including other high officials and the public.
Seychelles a tiny and remote island nation, who during that time was a British colony ;joined with other partaking nations World Wide to fought in the First World War which started in 1914. It was in 1916 that 791 young Seychellois men volunteered to leave their families and country behind to face such unpredictable horrors in East Africa. Over two hundred of them perished upon their repatriation, and many more died on Mahe. Every year there is a remembrance Sunday which is observed on the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day on November 11 at the War Memorial in the Mont Fleuri cemetery to pay homage to all soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for their country.
The exhibition showcase several equipment’s that was used in the War, such as a soldier eating kit, drinking bottle, casquets and fighting equipment’s.
Several information’s on the war are also being displayed. The aim of such an exhibition is to inspire the young generation to learn more about Seychelles history.
The exhibition will be open to the public until the end of November2016.