THE traditional Armistice Day Parade will be observed today at the cenotaph, outside the Bank of Guyana Building, Company Path and Avenue of the Republic, beginning at 07:00 hrs.

The ceremony, held worldwide, and referred to locally as the “Poppy Day Parade” is held in Guyana on the second Sunday of November every year, to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the two World Wars (1914-1918 and 1933-1945) so that others left behind, might live in peace.

Head of State, President Donald Ramotar will attend the ceremony and make a statement, acknowledging their gallantry and the supreme sacrifice they made in the cause of peace and freedom, as well as express gratitude to those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and prosperity for all peoples.
That being done, the Head of State will lay the first wreath at the foot of the cenotaph, followed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Heads of the Disciplined Services; Leader of the Opposition; Mayor of Georgetown; President of the Guyana Legion; Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of other international and regional organisations, doing likewise.
This ceremony is usually characterised by a spectacular display by ranks of the military and paramilitary, smartly and immaculately attired in ceremonial dress, marching with pomp and ceremony to the sounds of the drums, then taking up their positions with precision on the tarmac.
Following the ceremony, ranks of the disciplined services will march north along Avenue of the Republic, where President Donald Ramotar will take the salute in front of State House.