Veterans honoured at GDF’s 8th annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), celebrating the 52nd anniversary of its creation this month, has paid tribute to retired ranks at the staging of the 8th annual Veterans’ Day Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted on Friday, when scores of retired officials attached to the Guyana Veterans Legion assembled at Camp

Ayanganna for the commemoration of Veterans’ Day 2017.
The event was held in recognition of the local men and women who have, over the years, served in the military forces of both British Guiana and Guyana. Activities kicked off with the ceremonial laying of wreaths at the Veterans’ Monument erected just outside of the GDF’s Thomas Lands, Georgetown base.
Addressing the gathering, President of the Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) George Gomes, underscored the importance of paying tribute to the country’s veterans.
He pointed out that “Veterans’ Day is to have a healthy interaction between veterans and serving soldiers.”
In attendance at the occasion were four of the country’s remaining War heroes, who fought honourably and managed to return alive following World Wars I and II.
The oldest among the four was retired rank Benjamin Durant, who celebrated his 99th birth anniversary just days ago.
Gomes on Friday called on the existing Force to tap into the wealth of experience that exists within the Legion.
“To the soldiers of today, we have valuable experiences and we have traditions which we can pass on to you. Chief of Staff, I urge you to make use of us while you still have us. We are prepared to contribute towards the future development of the Guyana Defence Force,” Gomes relayed.
Also speaking at the Veterans’ Day event earlier on Friday was GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, who in his remarks outlined the value of the veterans to the Guyana Defence Force. In so doing, he extended appreciation to the retired ranks for their selfless service in defending the nation.
“So we, who serve today, we say thank you. May your lives be enriched because you answered the call to service and you can stand to see the products of your labours flourishing before your very eyes,” the Chief of Staff expressed.
The Veterans’ Day celebration culminated on a high note, with the Chief of Staff handing over a cheque for one million dollars to the Legion, as is customary at the annual event. To truly express gratitude, Brigadier West pledged support in sourcing the necessary funding for rehabilitation of the Legion’s Headquarters, tagged at some $18 million.
This was followed by a social lunch specially prepared for the retired ranks of the GDF.