The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) hosted its Inaugural Veterans and Retirees Thanksgiving Service under the theme “We
Say Thanks” on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at Living Waters Kingdom Ministries, Warren Street. The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Wayne Munroe, K.C., and served as a moment of honour, reflection, and gratitude for the men and women who have devoted their lives to the protection of The Bahamas.
In attendance were Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe and Mrs. Munroe, Commander Defence Force, Commodore Floyd Moxey and Mrs. Moxey, members of the RBDF Executive Command Team, retirees, veterans, and their families. The service, organised by the RBDF Chaplaincy, provided an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who served before.
Commodore Moxey welcomed the Minister, veterans, retirees, and their families, expressing the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s continued appreciation for those who paved the way. He affirmed that veterans will always have a home within the RBDF, noting that their legacy, sacrifice, and examples remain central to the identity and success of today’s Defence Force. The Commander Defence Force acknowledged the ongoing value of their wisdom and experience, emphasising that the RBDF stands on the foundation they built.
In his keynote address, Minister Wayne Munroe, K.C., reflected on the enduring legacy left by RBDF veterans, honouring those who answered the call of duty despite the early challenges and
limited resources available to the Force in its formative years. He spoke to the vision established by the late Sir Lynden Pindling, highlighting that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was created
“by us, with us, and for us” to safeguard Bahamian sovereignty.
A moving rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” was performed by Force Chief Petty Officer Eunice Rolle, preparing the atmosphere for the message delivered by RBDF Chaplain, Apostle Raymond Wells. His sermon, themed around “The Who, The What, The When, The How, and The Why,” traced the deeper meaning behind service and sacrifice. He emphasized the cost of defending the nation, the vision that birthed the RBDF, and the enduring purpose of those who continue to serve. He reminded veterans that their sacrifices created the Force that exists today “a people’s Defence Force.”
Chaplain Wells also paid tribute to the fallen marines of HMBS Flamingo, Fenrick Sturrup, Austin Smith, David Tucker, and Edward Williams, recalling their courage as the foundation
of modern RBDF history.
Tokens of appreciation were presented to the RBDF veterans by Living Waters Kingdom Ministries, and by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, symbolising gratitude, unity, and commitment to honouring those who served.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to acknowledging its veterans and retirees, whose dedication continues to strengthen the Force’s foundation of service, sacrifice,
and national pride. Their legacy ensures that the RBDF remains steadfast in its mission of Guarding Our Heritage.
Photos By: Marine Seaman Edwin Basden & Marine Seaman Tavano Ferguson
