Remembrance Day 2018 observed

– “Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples”– PM Nagamootoo

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 11, 2018

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.

Some of the surviving veterans of World War II during the parade.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps waiting to lay the wreaths at the Cenotaph, Georgetown.

President of Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant Colonel (retd.) George Gomes.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge who is performing the functions of Prime Minister lays a wreath.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who is performing the duties of President prepares to lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph monument in honour of those who served and those fallen during World Wars I and II.

The sounding of the last post.

More of the surviving veterans of World War II marching during the parade.

Some members of the military at the Military Parade.

Some members of the military at the Military Parade.

Some members of the military at the Military Parade.

Some members of the military at the Military Parade.

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.

Paul Mc Adam.

Images: Keno George.