…as the nation remembers the gallant men and women who gave their lives in two world wars

HUNDREDS yesterday assembled at the Cenotaph, outside the Bank of Guyana, to witness the Armistice Day ceremony, and 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.Leading up to the 08:00hrs start of the ceremony, there was much fanfare as several contingents from the military and paramilitary, smartly attired in ceremonial uniform, and led by the Police marched along the Avenue of the Republic with a sense of pride of purpose.

The band performed with distinction, regaling attendees and spectators alike, many of whom were children.
Taking up their positions on the tarmac and around the cenotaph, the ranks awaited the arrival of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, followed by His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar.
President Ramotar was met, on arrival, by the Prime Minister, Chief of Staff, and Commissioner of Police who accorded him the presidential salute.
At 07:59 hrs the last post was sounded, followed by two minutes of silence in memory of those men and women who died during World Wars I & II, at the end of which were prayers offered by representatives of the Christian, Muslim and Hindu religions.
The silence was then broken with the symbolic sounding of cannon, making way for the literally hair-raising sounds of the Reveille which painfully relived the memories of the horrific war periods.
As the programme unfolded, there came the much anticipated item on the programme: the laying of wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph. Throughout this activity, the Police band softly rendered appropriate hymns.
His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar was the first to lay his wreath, followed by Prime minister Samuel Hinds; Chief of Staff, Brigader Mark Phillips; Commissioner of Police (Ag), Seelall Persaud; the Opposition Leader, Brigadier (Retd) David Granger; and Deputy Mayor, Patricia Greene.

The laying of wreaths continued with Members of the Diplomatic Corps, followed by Heads of other international and regional organisations.

At the conclusion of the wreath laying, President Ramotar read a statement in which he emphasised that mankind is forever indebted to those who made the supreme sacrifice for peace and freedom.
“On this Sunday of Remembrance, we meet again to remember all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in two world wars. We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom,” the President said.
The President also recalled with gratitude those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and prosperity for all peoples.
“On this solemn occasion we, the citizens of the Republic of Guyana, rededicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere and renew our commitment to the development and well-being of our beloved country,” the President declared.
Also in attendance was a visiting contingent of marine soldiers from French Guiana, under the command of Colonel Ducrot Laurent.
On leaving the Cenotaph, the presidential entourage proceeded north along Avenue of the Republic where the presidential salute was taken outside of State House.
The ceremony at the Cenotaph was followed by a Remembrance Day reception at Coghlan House, Guyana Legion, Carifesta Avenue, beginning at 10:30 hrs. The feature address there was delivered by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.