The main annual ceremony at the Cenotaph in central Georgetown took place amidst the traditional pomp and military precision for the wreath laying at Main and Church Streets.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds, performing the functions of the Office of President, led other dignitaries, diplomats and officials who placed 34 wreaths at the memorial on a bright morning overshadowed by rain clouds.

Mr. Hinds laid the first wreath after an initial blast of gunfire shattered the silence in that part of the capital.

During the two minutes silence that followed, in honour of those who made the supreme sacrifice, Master of Ceremonies, Dr Rovin Deodat recited the words of the suggested thought on the radio broadcast by Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

Before the second shot was fired, he said: “In remembrance of those who made the great sacrifice. O God, make us better men and women and give continuous peace in our time."
PRIME Minister Sam Hinds, who is acting as President, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister and leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte share a moment after yesterday’s Remembrance Day observances. (Picture by Winston Oudkerk)
PRIME Minister Sam Hinds, who is acting as President, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister and leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte share a moment after yesterday’s Remembrance Day observances. (Picture by Winston Oudkerk)
Following Mr. Hinds were, in that order, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, performing the duties of the Office of Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Desmond Hoyte, Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green, President of Guyana Legion, Mr. Ivan Crandon, Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier Michael Atherly, Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Floyd Mc Donald and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, American Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Ronald Godard.

Other diplomatic envoys and representatives of other organisations, including Guyana Veterans Foundation, also laid floral tributes.
After they had finished, Mr. Hinds said while the ceremony was "to remember all those valiant men and women who gave their lives in the two wars, we also regard, with gratitude, those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity social justice and freedom."

"We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice. Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all people on this solemn occasion," he said.

The Prime Minister added: “We, the citizens of the Republic of Guyana rededicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere and renew our commitment to the development and well-being of our beloved country."

Later, after a procession and march past along Main Street, the usual reception was hosted by Guyana Legion at its Carifesta Avenue headquarters, also in the city.

Speaking at that function, Legion President Crandon pointed out that the organisation is one of the oldest such in the Commonwealth, founded immediately after World War One and registered in 1926.

The British High Commissioner, Mr. Stephen Hiscock congratulated the local Legionnaires.

"I am grateful to the Legion for keeping this tradition alive here in Guyana where, tragically, young men in Police uniform are still making the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to retain and restore the freedoms which earlier generations of Guyanese of all persuasions have worked so hard to achieve."

“As we remember those who fell in conflicts around the world, let us pause also to remember those who died this year in the fight to maintain peace and freedom here. May the sacrifice of those policemen not be in vain," he said.

Hiscock called on all Guyanese of goodwill and good intent to support the President and other leaders of this country as they take Guyana forward.

Launching the appeal for contributions to the Legion, Mr. Hinds said, in remembering the past wars, which saw great destruction of infrastructure and the bodies and minds of those who participated, it is even more necessary to avoid any future wars.

He made the first pledge on behalf of the Offices of the President and Prime Minister and, others followed as the Guyana Police Force Choir rendered ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow' that stirred the memories of many veterans in attendance to homecoming from the wars.

A total of $281,980 was realised in cash and pledges, including $35,000 from Office of the President, $35,000 from Office of the Prime Minister, $25,000 from Ministry of Home Affairs, $25 000 from Guyana Prison Service, $25,000 from Guyana Fire Service and $25 000 from Guyana Police Force.

Retired Major General Joe Singh, who acknowledged the contributions, commended High Commissioner Hiscock and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for constructing and commissioning the monument at Eve Leary for the dead men and women who fought or served in the two World Wars in the Commonwealth Caribbean forces.