HUNDREDS on Sunday assembled at the Cenotaph, outside the Bank of Guyana, to witness the Remembrance 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 Band, with the Guyana Defence Force and others in tow, marched south along the Avenue of the Republic taking up their positions around the cenotaph, at the base of which wreaths would be laid, with a sense of pride of purpose.

Momentarily, Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice President and Minister of Public Security, performing the function of the Prime Minister made a ceremonial appearance at the site of the War Memorial, where he awaited the arrival of Carl Greenidge, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, performing the function of President.
Escorted by the Guyana Police Force mounted branch, Mr Greenidge arrived at the Square at 08:00 hrs and was given an impressive Presidential Salute, followed by the sounding of the Last Post (a Bugle Call), signaling the start of a somber process – the observance of two minutes of silence, and later, the literally hair-raising sounds of the Reveille which painfully relived the memories of the horrific war periods.
At 08:05hrs, the last post was sounded and all joined in observing the symbolic silence, in memory of those men and women who died during World Wars I & II.
As the programme unfolded, there came the much anticipated item on the programme: the laying of wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph – done with pomp and ceremony. Throughout this activity, the Police Band softly rendered appropriate hymns.

Then came the laying of wreaths by representatives of the distinguished gathering, specially identified for this purpose. Placing the first wreath was Mr Greenidge, on behalf of President Granger; followed by Mr Ramjattan performing the function of Prime Minister; Chief of Staff, Brigadier George Lewis; Guyana Veterans Legion Chairman (Lieutenant Colonel retired) George Gomes, accompanied by War Veteran, Mr Roy De Freitas – the only surviving member of the British Guyana Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces who served in Europe.
They were joined by Heads of the Disciplined Services; Major of Georgetown, Ms Patricia Chase-Greene; Bishop Juan Edghill representing the Opposition; members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of regional and international bodies and organisations; the Red Cross; St John’s Ambulance Brigade and others.

This was followed by momentous occasion – the reading of a statement from the President by Mr Greenidge.
In his opening remarks, the President stated: “We are assembled at this War Memorial on this Sunday of Remembrance to call to mind and remember the sacrifice of all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in two World Wars.”
He added: “We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom,” noting that “Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples.”
And remembering with gratitude, those who through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices, 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 freedom from all forms of oppression
“Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples,” the President affirmed.
He also called on all assembled to also remember those Guyanese who, since Independence, have died in the service the nation.
“Let us thank those who continue to defend our territory and our patrimony throughout our country,” he said.

Representative of the Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities also offered prayers with each expressing gratitude to, and acknowledging the sacrifice made by those who gave their lives in order for those left behind to live at peace.
Prayers were concluded with the lusty singing of the hymn, ‘O God our help in Ages Past’ and the National Anthem.
On leaving the Cenotaph, the presidential entourage proceeded north along Avenue of the Republic where the presidential salute was taken outside of State House, followed by the laying of wreathes at the Policemen and Ex-service men’s Cemetery at Eve Leary.
The day’s observances continued with a Remembrance Ceremony at the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, under the theme: “Lest We Forget”.