By Abena RockcliffeMilitary ranks braved the scattered showers yesterday morning as politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, veteran soldiers and Guyanese patriots gathered at the Cenotaph to pay homage to the fallen Guyanese soldiers who died during World Wars One and Two.The Cenotaph, situated in the vicinity of the Bank of Guyana and the National Library, stands as a monument to the fallen soldiers. The symbolic wreath laying is annual, however, yesterday’s procession marked the first for President Donald Ramotar in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.In his brief statements to pay homage, the president said, “We (Guyanese) are forever indebted to them (fallen soldiers) for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.”Heads of Mission of the Diplomatic Corps with their wreaths.He said also acknowledged “those who,Cheap NFL Jerseys, throughout the years, made similar sacrifices in the continuing struggle for humanity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression, wherever these exist.”The Guyanese leader asserted that “these men and women immensely aided to strengthen the resolve to maintain efforts for “a world at peace, with justice and prosperity for all peoples.”Very significantly, the Commander-in-Chief rededicated Guyana’s commitment to the search for peace, as well as the development and wellbeing of the country.Wreaths were laid by the President, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Chief-of-Staff Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best; Commissioner of Police (Acting) Leroy Brumell; Leader of the Opposition, retired Brigadier David Granger; Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green; President of the Guyana Legions, retired Colonel Carl Morgan; Heads of Mission of the Diplomatic Corps and a representative of the Guyana Ex-Soldiers’ Benevolent Association and Ex-Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Association, in that order.The wreath-laying was followed by two minutes of silence; with gun calls indicating the beginning and end.Guyana’s three main religious groups were acknowledged through prayers done by respective leaders.Remembrance Day is observed worldwide with wreath-laying ceremonies. The day is also formally observed by the wearing of poppies. The red symbolizes bloodshed in warfare.
