Freedom must never be taken for granted
–it was paid for in blood and sacrifice

MINISTER of Home Affairs Mr Clement Rohee has said freedom must never be taken for granted because it was paid for in blood and sacrifice in the two world wars.Speaking at the Remembrance Day observance on the lawns of the Anna Regina Town council on Sunday, the minister said Guyanese should always remember at this time that they live in a country that is prosperous and free, a nation that allows us to speak freely and openly and to elect our own leaders and practise religion.Minister Rohee also said that Guyana is a land of opportunities for each and every one.
He said Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed by member states of the Commonwealth since the first world war for those who died in the line of duty.Minister Rohee said we are forever indebted to those soldiers who fought and died in the two world wars.
According to the minister,we must remember the ultimate sacrifices made by our own soldiers who served and fought in far off places such as Egypt, Belgium,France and East African countries.He said we are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifices in pursuing peace and freedom.
The minister also reminded the gathering that we must not forget the ongoing fight in the world for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression and for prosperity for all peoples of the world.
Minister Rohee said the red remembrance poppy is a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day.He said the poppies bloom across some of the world’s battle fields, its brilliant red cup becoming a symbol for blood that was shed in pursuit of freedom for the world.
Wreaths were laid at the foot of the Cenotaph in memory of the soldiers who fought and died in the line of duty during the two world wars by Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Clement Rohee; Region Two Chairman Mr Parmanand Persaud; Vice Chairman Mr Vishnu Samaroo;Commander ‘G’Division Mr. Kevin Adonis and representatives of the GDF and the Fire Service.
Minister Rohee accompanied by Region 2 Chairman and Vice Chairman and top members of the Disciplined Forces take the salute from military officers.