Suriname and US Jointly Held a Memorial Day Ceremony

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname and the United States have held a memorial day ceremony for the first time since the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country established diplomatic relations in 1975.

Memorial Day is an annual day of remembrance in the United States to honor all those who have died in military service to the country during peace and war.

Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin, and US Ambassador Robert J. Faucher emphasized the importance of remembering and paying honor and respect to those who gave their lives and fought for justice and freedom.

“The Memorial Day Ceremony is the day on which we remember American soldiers who lost their lives while serving in Suriname and the Surinamese men and women who served alongside them,” said the US diplomat.

Between 1941 and 1947, thousands of American troops served in Suriname, protecting its population and resources that were indispensable for the allied war effort. During this period, scores of US servicemen died here.

During World War II, the main purpose of the US armed forces in Suriname was to protect the bauxite operation of American multinational Alcoa that was seen as vital to the war efforts. With the production and supply of bauxite to the US during the war, Suriname made a significant contribution to the aluminum industry that supplied material for the construction of American fighter aircraft.

The US ambassador noted that the ceremony is not just this one time, but that Memorial Day will be commemorated every year in Suriname from now on.

“It is also a memorial to our Surinamese brothers and sisters who have fought as volunteers in various wars in the world,” he said, adding that other groups of Americans will also be brought here for the 2024 observance.

Ramdin told the ceremony on Monday that Surinamese nationals had actively participated in various world wars, with some making the ultimate sacrifices.

He also welcomed the decision that the commemoration will not be a one-off even with both men underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship between Paramaribo and Washington.

The memorial ceremony on Independence Square took place a stone’s throw from Suriname’s national monument for fallen soldiers in World War II.