Chief-of-staff lauds veterans –pledges army’s continued support
Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier George Lewis serves the veterans on their special day
Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier George Lewis serves the veterans on their special day

CHIEF-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis has pledged to continue to work with the Guyana Veterans Legion to support the development of veterans, within limitations.This commitment was made by the Chief-of-Staff on Friday, as he donated the sum of $1 Million to the Guyana Legion, honouring a pledge made last Sunday during the Legion’s Remembrance Ceremony at Goghlan House, Carifesta Avenue.

The cheque was handed over to Chairman of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d), George Gomes by Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier George Lewis, during the solemn, but prestigious Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony held at the Veterans Monument Front Lawns , Base Camp Ayangana, Guyana Defence Force.

Handing over the cheque in the presence of all assembled, the Chief-of-Staff said: “We believe that we owe you an extraordinary debt of gratitude for the service you provide. Today we acknowledge the contributions of families as well.”

The proud Veterans of Guyana being honoured on their special day
The proud Veterans of Guyana being honoured on their special day

The presentation came shortly after the laying of wreaths by Brigadier George Lewis MSS and Lieutenant Colonel George Gomes, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) at the base of the monument, to the memory of the men and women who served in the Military Forces of British Guiana and Guyana.

Delivering the feature address, the Chief-of-Staff declared: “Today is Veterans Day – a day when we, serving officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force honour our fallen heroes, as we pause to acknowledge, reflect and remember, your achievement, commitment, your courage and your dedication. We remember your sacrifices as you made contributions towards this noble institution and Guyana’s territorial integrity. We remain eternally grateful to you for your efforts.
I say thank you for your service and for making Guyana safe.”

And acknowledging the selfless work and sacrifice of those soldiers who have passed on, the Chief-of-Staff continued: “Today we remember those we lost during their service and we lost after they left service. Also to their families, we assure you that we still remember them and still feel your pain.”

He said it is because of the veterans that the army is better off today, serving diligently and having a deeper understanding of the vital contributions veterans made and continue to make for the development of Guyana.

Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by Chairman of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes, with representatives of the three main religious denominations: Christians; Muslims and Hindus thanking all of the veterans for their service in the military services of British Guiana and Guyana.

Unveiling plans for the future development and collaboration with veterans, Brigadier Lewis declared: “I know that the Government of Guyana values your service and believes that you should receive adequate recognition for your service, which is why His Excellency President Granger established the Guyana Veterans Commission, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Roberts to examine the conditions of veterans.”

To this end, the Chief-of-Staff called on both sides to give the Commission their support and await its recommendations on the way forward for veterans and veterans’ affairs in Guyana.

He also called on the veterans to support the Guyana Veterans Legion, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Gomes – not only through monthly contributions, and attendance at meetings, but by giving some of their time to support its activities, engaging in collaborative activities to further empower them.

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