Guyana pays tribute to valiant heroes of World War I and II at 2009 Remembrance Day ceremony

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in honouring the heroic soldiers of World Wars I and II, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, President Bharrat Jagdeo, other Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Disciplined Services and civil society, yesterday paid tribute at a solemn ceremony at the Cenotaph, bordered by the Bank of Guyana, the National Library, Guyana Stores Limited and Main Street.

The occasion, which consisted of a poignant moment of silence, traditional wreath-laying, primary statements and prayers, commenced at 8:00 hrs. Officials, starting with President Jagdeo, laid wreaths at the monument site while prayers were thereafter said by representatives of the three major religions in Guyana. All four stanzas of the National Anthem were then sung by the Disciplined Services and everyone in attendance.

Diplomats present included representatives of the United Nations and its particular organizations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and resident ambassadors and high commissioners, of various countries including, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, the People’s Republic of China, Brazil, Venezuela, India, Russia and Mexico.