Georgetown : The Guyana Defence Force remembered and honoured those who died while serving the force, as well as retired officials at a Veterans Day wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans’ Monument, Base Camp Ayanganna, yesterday.
The ceremony saw a wreath-laying occasion with inter–faith prayers offered by representatives of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions for those who served in World Wars One and Two.
During the ceremony, Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips stated that he, along with his ranks have noted the sacrifices of the fallen, their hardship and inconvenience endured as they served to maintain law and order in Guyana and the preservation of territorial integrity.
“We recognise your service today, and today, like since 1965, the GDF will continue to function to earn the respect of the Guyanese society in defence, development, diplomacy and democracy. The leadership of the GDF remains aware of the challenging existence of many of our veterans.”
Brigadier Phillips also took the time out to congratulate the veterans for having one veteran body.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, Retired Colonel George Gomes encouraged new veterans to join the veterans’ legion where their focus is to maintain the bond that existed during their service in the force.
“Soldiers are not friends for a day or two, soldiers are people who are bonded for life, a matter of fact our motto ismaintaining the bond,” he noted.
During the ceremony, $1 million was donated by serving soldiers to the GDF to assist the veterans’ legion. Wreaths were laid by the Chief-of- Staff and the retired Colonel Gomes.
Among those in attendance were Major General (Retired) Norman Mc Clean, Chief- of- Staff (Retired), Rear Admiral Gary Best, Major General (Retired) Joe Singh and members of the Veterans’ Legion.
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