Government officials, members of the military and diplomatic corps
along with veterans from the Guyana Legion and many others on Sunday
morning gathered to commemorate Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph
Monument in Georgetown.
The ceremony began with a military parade followed by the Presidential
Salute, the Last Post and two minutes of silence to acknowledge those
fallen military officers of World Wars I and II.
Prayers from the three main religious groups were observed after which
wreaths were laid by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who is performing
the functions of President, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge
who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, Chief- of- Staff of
the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Patrick West, Police Commissioner
Leslie James, President of Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant Colonel
(ret’d.) George Gomes, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase- Green,
Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four,
Genevieve Allen and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
In a brief address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the men and women
who served in both Wars and those who made the personal and ultimate
sacrifices over the years.
He stated, “Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain efforts
for a world with justice and prosperity for all our peoples. Let us
remember also those Guyanese who since independence, have died in
service of our nation. Let us thank those who continue to defend our
country’s territory and patrimony throughout our country.”
The Prime Minister also called on citizens to rededicate themselves,
“to the search for peace and well-being of our beloved country.” The
event concluded with a Joint Services parade led by the 15 surviving
veterans of World War II, with the salute being taken in front of
State House.
At the end of World War II in 1945, Armistice Day was renamed
Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday and is observed on the first or
second Sunday of November. The poppies worn by persons are part of the
Poppy Appeal launched annually to ensure that those who made the
sacrifice in the two Great Wars (1914- 1918) and (1939 – 1945) are
remembered.
In Guyana, Remembrance Day is observed on the Sunday closest to
November 11. The day is marked by parades in Georgetown, New
Amsterdam, Vreed-en-Hoop, Linden, Anna Regina, Bartica, Lethem and
other towns around the country. The commemoration date November 11
marks the signing of the Armistice at the end of World War 1.
