…assured of government’s continued support

THIS Remembrance Day, the Guyana Veterans’ Legion was able to secure over $2.1M in pledges of support which will go towards the welfare of Guyana’s remaining 15 veterans who fought in World War Two.

On Sunday, November 11 at 11:00hrs, the legion joined in with the rest of the world in observing the 100th year since the end of the Great War through a wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony.

After laying the wreaths, each decked with 100 poppies, the Veterans Legion congregated at its headquarters where they honoured the men who fought bravely in the war.
The veterans are all in their 90s with one, Benjamin Durant, expected to celebrate his

100th birthday in the coming week.
Attending the function was Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who is performing prime ministerial functions. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, along with representatives of the diplomatic corps, was also present
In his feature address, Minister Harmon stated that countries, having lived through what can be described as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, should now strive for peace above all things.

“For us, Remembrance Day should be a moment of reflection on the ravages and futility of wars, along with the colossal waste of human resources and materials and its many negative social and economic consequences.
“It is also a day when we reaffirm our commitment to a world free of conflict; a world where differences are settled peacefully and without resort to threats or use of force,” Harmon said.

Delivering greetings from President David Granger, Harmon assured the Veterans’ Legion that they are not alone in their quest for the improved welfare of veterans.
He reminded the audience that proof of this is the President’s appointment, through the National Assembly, of the National Veterans Commission to examine the circumstances facing veterans in Guyana.

He added that the government will soon make known its position on the recommendations coming out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Government intends to set up a National Veterans’ Trust in the near future, Minister Harmon disclosed.

Speaking to the latter, he said: “[It] will be protected by law to ensure that it is not subjected to the whims and fancies of anyone. I want to assure you that our words, comrades, will continue to match our deeds on the issue of the welfare of veterans.”
Harmon then commended the Guyana Veterans’ Legion on their level of leadership displayed over the years in promoting the welfare of veterans.

“This is also a day for us to be reminded of our duty and obligation as a grateful nation to ensure meaningful support and a life of dignity for our military veterans. In this regard, the Guyana Veterans Legion should be resolute in ensuring that the welfare of veterans receives its justified, maximum attention,” he said.

The minister of state was sure to announce, too, that the President’s pledge of support will come shortly in addition to the over $2.1M in pledges secured on Sunday.
Brief remarks also came from Greenidge who urged citizens to remember the cost of war and those who bear the cost.

“We need to be reminded that somebody pays the price. It is not a process by which we glorify any country or any set of individuals; it has a cost in terms of lives destroyed. And so, in participating in this act of remembrance, I think that it is important that we remember that and weigh very heavily the ways we utilise to resolve conflicts,” he advised.

Remarks from the diplomatic community were made by Canadian High Commissioner Lillian Chatterjee and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn.

Chatterjee said that she was esteemed to speak at the ceremony and even more so as her father, too, fought as a gunner in World War Two.

“Today, we remember our duty to the cause of liberty, democracy and diversity; and the men and women at the frontiers defending those values so that we may enjoy them. We are gathered here today to say that 100 years may have passed, but the torch is ours to carry on…we will continue to sacrifice for the best possible future for our people. We will continue to stand by our allies; but most of all, we will continue to strive for peace,” she said.
Meanwhile, Quinn remarked: “In being here we do not honour war or death, but rather we commemorate those who have given their lives in the service of our respective countries…their bravery was key in securing the allied victory. These men fought thousands of miles from their homelands for a country they have never been to, but for a purpose they believed in.”

He announced that the UK Government through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League will be providing additional assistance to 7,000 veterans and their widows in 30 commonwealth countries, including Guyana.

Quinn said: “Our servicemen and women continue to protect us in difficult and dangerous situations. Many of us here have lost friends, colleagues and family members in service and it is important that we honour their memories. They have not died in vain.”

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion retired Lieutenant- Colonel George Gomes explained to the media the importance of Remembrance Day.

He expressed his hopes that more veterans, should they be physically able, would be given the opportunity to lay wreaths during the national ceremony commemorating the day.
At the end of the ceremony, the dignitaries greeted the veterans with special greetings extended to Benjamin Durant ,who will become a centenarian on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Durant has some 30 children and twice as many grandchildren and great grands, some of whom turned out to the Veterans’ Legion headquarters in a show of support.