HUNDREDS, yesterday braved  intermittent showers in the city, and with a sense of gratitude, pride and purpose, solemnly assembled at the Cenotaph, Company Path, Georgetown to recognise and honour on Armistice Day those who laid down their lives in World Wars I and II so that others left behind would live in freedom and peace.

In a solemn statement in appreciation of the sacrifice made by those who endured the horrors of the battlefields and lost their lives in the process, President Donald Ramotar, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said that the nation is forever indebted to them for the sacrifice they made, adding that their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples.
President Ramotar said: “On this Sunday of Remembrance we meet again to remember all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in the two wars. 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, the Head of State 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, “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 President’s 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.
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.
This was followed by the sounding of the cannons and the literally ‘hair raising’ sounding of the Reveille, painfully reliving the memories of the horrific war period and those who made the selfless sacrifice.
As the programme unfolded, there came the symbolic laying of wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph, the first of which was placed by His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, followed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green; Leader of the Opposition, Retired Brigadier David Granger; Heads of the Disciplined Services and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others.
Others among the distinguished gathering at yesterday’s Remembrance Day observance were: Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green; Ministers of Government; Heads of the Disciplined Services; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Divisional Leaders of the Salvation Army and other Faith-based Organisations.
And as usual, the occasion, with its magnificent ceremonial display by immaculately attired members of the disciplined services, exerted a magnetic pull on scores of other citizens who felt the natural urge to be present.
On leaving the site of the Cenotaph, Bank of Guyana Square, contingents of the disciplined services, moving with precision, marched with pomp and ceremony north along Avenue of the Republic, past State House, where the salute was taken by Commander of the Disciplined Services, President Donald Ramotar
Meanwhile, later in the morning, at Coghlan House, Headquarters of the Guyana Legion of Ex-Servicemen, on Carifesta Avenue, there was a reception to commemorate Remembrance Day and raise funds for Ex-soldiers who are members of the Guyana Legion, through generous donations.
The ceremony was addressed by President Ramotar, among others.