HUNDREDS yesterday assembled in solemnity at the Cenotaph, Company Path, Georgetown, in observance of Armistice Day, also referred to as Remembrance Day, specially set aside to recognise and honour those who laid down their lives in World Wars I and II, so that others left behind would live in freedom and peace. Joining Guyanese in observance of the occasion, characterised by the symbolic laying of wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph, against a backdrop of symphonic renditions by the Guyana Police Force Orchestra, were members of the diplomatic corps and others.

The programme got off to a start at 08:00hrs, with the arrival of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, who were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best, M.S.S., M.S.M. ; Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene; Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine and others.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, on this occasion represented President Bharrat Jagdeo, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who, unfortunately, was unable to attend. Meanwhile, officiating for Prime Minister Hinds, was Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Clement Rohee.

The ceremonial start of the programme was heralded with the sounding of the Last Post; Two minutes of Silence – one each for those killed in World War I and World War II respectively, and punctuated by the sounding of the guns.

There was a moment of silence, followed by the sounding of the cannon,  and the literally hair-raising sounding of the Reveille, painfully reliving the memories of the horrific war period.

As the programme unfolded there came the symbolic laying of the wreaths, the first of which was placed by Mr. Hinds on behalf of President Bharrat Jagdeo, then paving the way for other senior government functionaries, Members of the Diplomatic Corps; current and retired heads of the Disciplined Services, Mayor Hamilton Green and others who, proudly and purposefully made their way to the cenotaph executing the formalities.

Reading the Statement, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Hinds, solemnly reflecting on the men and women who gave their lives in two world wars, affirmed, “We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.”

And recalling  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 they exist, Mr. Hinds added: “Their example, strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples.”

In concluding, he affirmed that, “We the citizens of Guyana, on this solemn occasion, re-dedicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere and renew our commitment to the development and well-being of our beloved country.”

Following the Statement, prayers were offered by representatives of the three leading denominations in Guyana:  Christian, Muslim and Hindu, paving the way for the traditional Hymn:  “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, followed by the National Anthem.

Meanwhile, later in the morning, at Coghlan House, Headquarters of the Guyana Legion of Ex Servicemen, there was a reception to commemorate Remembrance Day.