Dear Sir,

Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans Day — what is the meaning of this day when we should be allowed to honour our loved ones who sacrificed so many years of their lives or their life?

I have had the privilege of marching in the Remembrance Day Parade down Whitehall, in London. However, I have yet to be accorded a similar privilege in Bermuda.

I served in the British Army for two years and fortunately, my father was a survivor of the Gallipoli Campaign in the First World War. Otherwise, I would not be writing to you.

A good friend of mine, a long-time resident of Bermuda who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, was told that he could not march in the parade because neither of his parents were Bermudian. This was some years ago. I requested to march a few years ago, but was turned down and can only assume it was for the same reasons.

Some of the old guard are no longer in control, so I thought I would apply to march this year. (When I marched in London, it was with permission of the organisers).

Calling the Royal Bermuda Regiment, a corporal who was very helpful put me through to a person, who, I believe, was in charge of the parade, and I got voicemail.

I explained that I had served in the British Army and that my father was also in the First World War, leaving my name and telephone number. The next day, not having my call returned, I called this time the person’s mobile phone number, and when I said who I was, I was promptly told: “Oh, you called yesterday. I will call you back.”

Here we are three days later, no call, and yet again I did not participate in the Remembrance Day Parade. I have a much better chance of marching in the London Parade than in Bermuda.

I wonder why?

ANTONY SIESE, Ex-Royal Army Medical Corps 23290341