GDF pays tribute to veterans, honouring service, sacrifice

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), celebrating the 60th anniversary of its creation this month, has paid tribute to retired ranks at the staging of the 16th annual Veterans’ Day Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted on Thursday, when scores of retired officials attached to the Guyana Veterans Legion assembled at Camp.

Scores of retired officers and ranks, including members of the Guyana Veterans Legion, gathered to honour their fallen comrades at the Veterans’ Monument located just outside the GDF headquarters. The solemn event was marked by the ceremonial laying of wreaths and moments of reflection on the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Guyana and served abroad.
Among those in attendance were some of the nation’s oldest surviving war heroes, including 99-year-old retired rank Arthur King, whose service continues to inspire generations of soldiers.
In his address, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips paid homage to the bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice of Guyana’s servicemen and women, noting that their valour continues to define the essence of the nation’s character.
With this in mind, PM Phillips reaffirmed the Government’s continued support for veterans.

“Today we rededicate ourselves to the eternal memory of those who have fallen. Their courage and sacrifices are interwoven into the fabric of our nation’s identity. We pledge never to forget the extraordinary price they paid for our freedom, and we commit to ensuring that their legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations to come. We also pay tribute to the veterans among us, the men and women whose service continues through their contributions to community and country. Your resilience, discipline, and devotion enrich our society and embody the enduring spirit of service that defines the uniform you once wore… Our nation stands strong, united, and indivisible because of your service. Your legacy endures in the heart of every Guyanese citizen, and your memory will forever be honoured by a great nation. I thank you all for your services,” the PM said.
Identity and strength
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, in his address, reflected on the role of veterans in shaping the GDF’s identity and strength. He described Veterans’ Day as a solemn occasion not only to lay wreaths but also to acknowledge the “duty performed, sacrifice made, and standard set” by those who came before.
Marking the GDF’s 60th anniversary, Brigadier Khan underscored the institution’s modernisation efforts and growing regional role, including recent disaster relief deployments in Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica. He noted that the Force’s continued adaptability, partnerships with friendly nations, and strengthening of land, air, maritime, and cyber capabilities are all inspired by the example set by its veterans.
“We know that without security no country can prosper. I start on this note to recognise our long-held view of how deep a role the military plays in every state, every nation, and every country. It is for this reason that every year we take a moment to recognise the service of those who would have served, our veterans, veterans of the Guyana Defence Force… You, our veterans, built the early strength and discipline of this force. You shaped its tradition, upheld its values, and carried its responsibility through periods of uncertainty and challenge. We honour you with deep respect and gratitude. You were the trailblazers who established the identity, the ethos, and the fighting spirit of the Guyana Defence Force,” Khan said.
The ceremony, rich in tradition and remembrance, reaffirmed the GDF’s enduring bond with its veterans – a connection rooted in shared service, sacrifice, and the collective defence of Guyana’s sovereignty.
The event concluded on a celebratory note, as the GDF hosted a luncheon in honour of the veterans, reinforcing the enduring bond between the nation’s current soldiers and those who paved the way before them.