THE Independence Eve customary flag-raising will now take the form of a wreath laying ceremony to honour those who have been deemed instrumental in the fight for Guyana’s Independence. This was announced Tuesday by Bobby Vieira, who, along with Col. Larry London, was appointed by the Head of State to plan this grand event.This Remembrance Observance will be conducted at the Independence Arch, Brickdam, as explained during a press briefing at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Main Street office and in the presence of Permanent Secretary Alfred King. Vieira explained that this event, which will commence at 8:00hrs is part of the President’s objective of paying homage to the valiant men and women who have struggled for Guyana’s Independence.

Following the President’s arrival at the dais, there will be two minutes of silence, followed by a military reveille, and the laying of eight wreaths. These wreaths, Vieira said, will be laid by the Head of State and representatives of the Trade Union Movement, and also from women, youths and political parties. Wreaths will be laid each for such honourees as Former Presidents L.F.S Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, and Peter D’Aguiar.

The laying of the wreaths will be followed by a speech from the President, then there will be the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and the Presidential Standard, as this will be reintroduced. A universal prayer by a young child, followed by the reciting of the National Pledge, then a mass choir performance of “My Native Land,” and the customary meet and greet.

Tents will be set up across Brickdam in line with the Girl Guides pavilion, and these will provide seating for the invited guests, who are expected to include the Heads of State of several Caribbean countries.

The Ministry of Health and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) compounds will provide parking for the guests.

To facilitate this event, there is an on-going clean-up activity in the vicinity of the arch. There is also the restoration of the Independence Arch, currently being done with assistance from the Mayor and City Council, the Guyana Prison Service, BK International, Harris Paints and Cummings Electronics. These works are being voluntarily done.

The remembrance ceremony is part of a three-episode event set for what is expected to be a grand 49th Independence Day celebration. (GINA)