Guyana forever indebted to fallen World War heroes – President Ali
His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali says Guyana will forever be indebted to the those who gave their lives in service to their country.
In return, he said the country rededicates itself to the search for peace and renews its commitment to the development and well-being of the state.
The Head of State paid homage at the Georgetown Cenotaph this morning, to the hundreds of then British Guianese who died in the first and second World Wars.
“We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom. We also recall with gratitude those who through the years have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression, wherever these exist,” Dr. Ali said.
The President said the example of the fallen strengthens “our resolve, to maintain our efforts for a world at peace, with justice and prosperity for all people.”
The Commander-in-Chief was joined by Prime Minister, Hon Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, Police Commissioner (Ag.) Nigel Hoppie, President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lt. Col. (ret’d) George Gomes and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, who also laid wreaths.
Remembrance Sunday is commemorated on the second Sunday of November. Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day, is observed on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countries to honour those who died in the Wars. British Guianese soldiers served and fought in Egypt, France, Belgium, and East Africa.
Of the hundreds of war heroes who returned, nine veterans remain. The oldest, Mr. Benjamin Durant, will celebrate his 102nd birthday on November 15.