AS the poppies were pinned, wreaths laid, and heads bowed in solemn reflection at the Cenotaph on Sunday, Guyana once again joined the world in observing Remembrance Day, a timeless tribute to those who gave everything for peace, freedom, and humanity. Yet, beyond the ceremony and tradition lies a deeper call that President Dr. Irfaan Ali so aptly underscored in his address: The preservation of peace is not a passive ideal, but an active, collective duty.

The President’s remarks, delivered under the weight of a gentle rain, symbolic of both sorrow and renewal, reminded us that peace is not merely the absence of war. It is the product of justice, equality and moral courage. “We call upon every leader to come together to defeat terror, oppression, injustice, and criminality,” he declared. It was a message not just to governments, but to all citizens, to confront the forces that threaten stability, from global conflicts to the social fissures within our own communities.

Guyana’s fallen heroes, whose names and legacies echo through history, fought not for personal glory but for the collective right to live free from tyranny. Their sacrifice shaped the world we inherit today. And it is that same spirit of service that continues to define our men and women in uniform, who guard our borders and defend our sovereignty, not with aggression, but with restraint, discipline and pride.

But remembrance must extend beyond ceremonial moments. It must influence our national consciousness and daily conduct. We honour the dead not only by remembering their deeds, but by living out the values they died to protect: Patriotism, unity, and respect for the sanctity of life. In an era increasingly defined by division and self-interest, Guyana’s example must be one of cohesion and moral clarity.

As the country moves through a transformative period—economically, politically, and socially—the peace we enjoy is fragile, and its preservation demands vigilance. We must defend it against cynicism, misinformation, and the erosion of empathy. Every act of service, whether in uniform or in civil society, contributes to that defence.

As another Remembrance Day passes, may we do more than commemorate; may we recommit to justice, to democracy, and to one another. The torch of peace, lit by those who came before us, must not dim on our watch.