…donates $1M to veterans’ legion
…only 6 surviving World War vets in Guyana
As Guyana joined the rest of the world on Sunday to observe Remembrance Day, President Dr Irfaan Ali called for a renewed commitment towards maintaining peace everywhere while the Guyana Veterans’ Legion (GVL) reiterated calls for the end of the Ukraine-Russia war.
Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday of November, while Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countries every year to honour those men and women who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). It is also used as an opportunity to recognise the surviving world war veterans.
On Sunday, the commemorative wreath-laying ceremony commenced with a military parade followed by the Presidential Salute, the last post, two minutes of silence, the sounding of the reveille, prayers and the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial at the Georgetown Cenotaph.
Delivering brief remarks, President Ali reflected on the “supreme sacrifice” of all the gallant men and women who give their lives in the two world wars as they fought for peace and freedom. He noted that the world is forever indebted to them.
The Guyanese Head of State also expressed gratitude for those who have made similar personal sacrifices over the years in continuing the struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression.
“Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain all efforts for a world of peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples. On this solemn occasion, we, the citizens of Co-operative Republic of Guyana, rededicate ourselves to the search of peace everywhere and renew our commitment to the development and wellbeing of our beloved country,” he stated.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces laid the first wreath, followed by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Godfrey Bess; President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion Lt Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes; Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force (ag) Clifton Hicken along with the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller and other members of the diplomatic corps.
Following the traditional wreath-laying ceremony, the Guyana Veterans’ Legion held its annual Remembrance Reception after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic at its headquarters at Coghlan House, Carifesta Avenue.
The GVL President, Lt Col (Ret’d) George Gomes, said those heroes who died in the two world wars must never be forgotten and underscored the importance of having future generations taught the significance of these annual remembrance observances in order to maintain them. He added too that those surviving veterans must be cherished.
Currently, there are just over 5000 WWII veterans still alive in the Commonwealth with majority being in Africa, India, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
International call for peace
In Guyana, there are only six surviving WWII veterans, with the youngest being 96. They are: Kenneth King, Bertram Harry, Donald Grant, James Samuels, Franklin Courtman, and Victor Brush.
In 2019, there were 15 surviving world war veterans in Guyana but nine of them have died over the past two years.
“Remembrance observances, Poppy Day [or] Poppy Season, continue to be a time of significant, historical importance in Guyana. We have to ensure that these observances are never watered down. They are a most integral part of our history and must be maintained for posterity,” the GVL President posited.
He went on to say that “The Guyana Veterans’ Legion, wishes to be recorded as initiating an international call for peace. We urge our Government and our leaders to vigorously pursue this effort and joint with civil-minded countries to avert or forestall any further escalation.”
Govt’s support
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips reaffirmed his, as well as Government’s support for the care of military veterans and their families in Guyana. He noted the Government remains committed to ensuring that the needs of Guyana’s veterans are better served.
“The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that all our service members, all our veterans benefit from an improved economy in our country. We have oil and gas now and that has contributed tremendously to improving our economic position. In the world, today, we are the fastest growing economy…and it is our resolve to utilise the revenues from oil and gas to improve the lives and livelihoods of all the people of Guyana,” PM Phillips, a former army chief himself, stated.
Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister, on behalf of President Ali – who is a patron of the GVL, presented a cheque valued at $1 million to the organisation.
It was revealed that through the support from various agencies including the Guyana Defence Force, the GVL received over $2 million in donations during this year’s remembrance observance.
Also at the reception, remarks were shared by the High Commissioners of Britain; Canada, Mark Berman, and India, Dr KJ Srinivasa – all of whom honour the sacrifice of the men and women who served in the world wars to fight for the freedom that many enjoy today. (G8)
