(16 Jun 2006)
1. British Diplomats and Royal Regiment arriving at Morro Castle
2. Cannons at Morro castle
3. Various of Regiment soldiers saluting during Taps
4. Cuban Trumpet Guard
5. SOUNDBITE (English): Captain Peter Scott, Royal Border Regiment:
"We rededicate the memory of this place to the remembrance of those who fought and died and those who survived and now rest in Christ."
6. Memorial plaque on wall of Morro Castle
7. Wide shot of soldiers and diplomats
8. SOUNDBITE (English): Captain Peter Scott, Royal Border Regiment:
"And I'm sure that by us being here, relationships between our countries will only be strengthened further."
9. Pan of Morro Castle
STORYLINE
British soldiers paid their respects to fallen comrades at a memorial ceremony at Morro Castle in the Cuban capital Havana on Thursday.
Three members of the Global Dragon Regiment are in Havana on their last tour as part of that regiment.
The Global Dragon will soon merge with The King's Own Royal Border Regiment.
Morro Castle is the site of a decisive battle for the Global Dragons that took place in 1762 during the British takeover of Cuba.
The castle is located at the entrance to Havana Harbour and was built to defend the city against pirates and invaders, but was unable to hold against the British.
More than four thousand British soldiers lost their lives in the siege and an additional five thousand died from disease in the ensuing years.
The modest ceremony was attended by local officials, British diplomats, and a Cuban Honour Guard that played taps, which is sounded at military funerals and memorial services.
"We rededicate the memory of this place to the remembrance of those who fought and died and those who survived and now rest in Christ", said Captain Peter Scott as he read from a prepared statement.
There are plans to hold similar ceremonies in 44 points around the world that were once held by the British Empire.
Thursday's ceremony in Havana is the only one to be held in Latin America.
Keyword-military
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