Fallen World War heroes remembered
Guyana Chronicle
November 10, 2003
… “We are forever indebted for their sacrifice” - President Jagdeo
GUYANA yesterday observed Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) 2003, with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Square of the Cenotaph, the monument erected in memory of the fallen soldiers of World Wars I & II (1914-1918)& (1938-1945).
The wreaths were laid at the foot of the cenotaph, which represents to the south, Humanity, the north, Sacrifice, the east, Devotion and the west, Fortitude
The ceremony was following by a parade by members of the Guyana Legion comprising surviving veteran servicemen of both wars; contingents from the disciplined services and organizations such as the Red Cross; St John’s Ambulance Brigade; Boys Scouts; Girl’s Guides, and several schools.
President Bharrat Jagdeo who took the salute outside his State House resident on Main Street, had earlier at the Cenotaph, said the occasion was to remember all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in the two world wars.
According to him, “We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom. We also recall 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, wherever these exist.
Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples.
On this solemn occasion, we, the citizens of the Republic of Guyana, re-dedicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere and renew our commitment to the development and well-being of our beloved country.”
Among those laying wreaths were President Jagdeo; Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj who represented Prime Minister Sam Hinds; People’s National Congress Reform, Executive Member, Vincent Alexander; Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green; President of the Guyana Legion, Ivan Crandon; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF, Major General, Michael Atherly and Commissioner of Police, Floyd Mc Donald, and other heads of the Disciplined Services.
There was full representation from the Diplomatic Community with the presence of Commissioners; Ambassadors or other representatives. They included Brazil, Cuba, Canada, Suriname, China, Russia, Britain, India, United States, European union (EU), Venezuela, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations, the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Organisation of American States (OAS).
Others included, the Guyana Ex-soldiers of the Netherlands Association, Guyana Veterans Association, the Guyana Trades Union Congress; The St John’s Ambulance Brigade; the Jaycees of Guyana; Boys Scouts Association; the Salvation Army; Guyana Association of Justices of Peace; the Guyana Service of New York and the National Front Alliance.
And at the traditional gathering at the Guyana Legions Headquarters, Carifesta Avenue, which followed the parade, Minister Gajraj who represented President Jagdeo, pledged the Government ‘s commitment to increase the subvention to the legion.
He exalted the sacrifice of the countrymen, saying it was a “ high price to pay for peace and freedom”, adding “Freedom must never be taken for granted, as it is paid for in blood and sacrifices by those gone before us.”
According to the Minister, the laying down of one’s life is the ultimate illustration for love for country, and those brave soldiers who did so honourably during the wars will forever remain special in the hearts of Guyanese.
He urged those in attendance to safeguard the peace and freedom for which the veterans fought and even died, as this can easily be snatched away because of the constant threat of conflict and war.
The large numbers of soldiers who died should not be reduced to mere statistics, but rather as persons who gave up their lives and families all for a better world, a better Guyana.
He assured the surviving veterans that Government greatly values their efforts, then and even now, in preserving that which was achieved years ago, adding, “you are a great source of pride to us.”
Deputy British High Commissioner, Steve Crossman, noted, “It’s the heroism of the soldiers that we celebrate today, as their sacrifice would allow this and the generations to come to enjoy a world of relative peace and prosperity.”
He underscored the need to honour those who died, those that have survived and those who are helping to preserve the peace they won, adding, that the act of patriotism by the soldiers is one that encompasses several lessons, including the fact that we should at all times fight for peace and freedom, as well as never be afraid to stand up for our beliefs.
Guyana Legion President, Mr. Crandon, noted that the organization has done its best over the years, with internal and external help, to provide for the survivors of the wars and their families, as well as the families of those who lost their lives.
At present there are no surviving veterans of World War I, however, there are 120 from World War II.
The Legions yesterday got a boost with a $100,000 donation from the Office of the President; $50, 000 from the Ministry of Home Affairs and $15, 000 from the Joint Services, in addition to cash collection taken from those present. (GINA)