REMEMBERING OUR WAR HEROES

Nov 11, 2018 Editorial

Remembrance Day also known as Poppy Day is commemorated on the second Sunday of November each year to honour all those who died in the World Wars. It is observed in a number of countries around the world to remember the members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty during the two World Wars.
In Guyana, Remembrance Day is observed annually on the Sunday closest to November 11 to officially honour and pay tribute to our fallen heroes—the men and women who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice during the wars.
Before the end of the Second World War, the day was known as Armistice Day, but was renamed Remembrance Day in 1945. It was inaugurated to observe the truce signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente (Anglo-French Alliance between France and the United Kingdom) at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 to officially signal the end of World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.
Remembrance Day is a day when poppies are worn by persons in many countries, including Guyana, as a symbol of respect and as an emblem of remembrance of the men and women who served and died in the two World Wars.
Poppy Day originated from a poem titled “In Flanders Field” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a doctor in the Royal Canadian Medical Corps. Colonel McCrae’s poem was inspired by the fact that despite the massive devastation caused by the war in several towns, villages, farms and forests, thousands of poppies sprang up in the spring.
The poppy is a white flower that symbolizes the belief that there are better ways to resolve conflicts and it embodies values that reject the killing of fellow human beings for whatever reason. The red poppy represents the blood that stained the flowers on the battlefield during the First World War.
On this day, Guyanese are reminded of the brave soldiers who fought in wars in such far-off places as Egypt, France, Belgium and East Africa. The day is marked by parades of the country’s uniformed ranks in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Linden and other towns and villages. However, the biggest activity is normally held at the Cenotaph, which is the national war memorial monument located in front of the Bank of Guyana building, at the junction of Church and Main Streets in Georgetown.
The Cenotaph was unveiled on August 14, 1923, by the British Governor Graeme Thompson. It has four faces and on each face bears the inscription of four potent words: Devotion, Humanity, Fortitude and Sacrifice.
Each year, the observance of Remembrance Day is held under the theme “Lest we forget” to remind us that wars and acts of violence can render the world asunder. Scores of Guyanese from across the country would attend the ceremony, which begins with a military parade followed by the Presidential Salute and two minutes of silence to acknowledge our soldiers who served and who died in World Wars I and II.
Wreaths are laid by the President and commander of the armed forces, the Prime Minister, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, President of Guyana’s Veterans Legion, the Mayor of Georgetown, Heads of Missions, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Remembrance Day is a commitment to peace and a reminder of our war heroes who fought and died in the two World Wars in pursuit of freedom and peace.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News