First Published: 16th of November, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: April 29, 2023 at 5:20 am
Remembrance Day, an annual observance and ceremony in honor of all those who died in military service, either in or out of the line of duty, is observed on the second Sunday of November each year. Remembrance Day is interchangeably called Remembrance Sunday because the day always falls on a Sunday – that is, the second Sunday of November each year.
In British tradition, Remembrance Day was originally meant to commemorate those killed in the first and second World Wars. During the week of Remembrance Sunday, the practice of selling poppies in schools to raise money for the veterans of those wars and their families was common. However, Remembrance Sunday was later revised to honor all those who were killed in defense of the British Empire and in the defense of freedom of humanity throughout history. This by extension includes the Commonwealth of Nations of which Guyana is a member state.
Remembrance Day honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life. We unite across faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth. We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain, and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.
britishlegion.org.uk
After independence from Britain in 1966, Guyana maintained and still maintains to this day the official observation of Remembrance Day in November each year.
On the 14th of November, 2021, President Ali took part in the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the War Memorial Cenotaph Monument in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. The President spoke of the personal sacrifices of those men and women in uniform who lost their lives in World Wars I and II.
“We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.”
President Irfaan Ali – 14th of November, 2021
The President noted that the day is also to honor, with gratitude, those who have made personal sacrifices in their struggle for human dignity, social justice, and freedom from all oppression through the years.
Also present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips, the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, the Indian High Commissioner, members of Guyana’s Veterans Legion, members of the Diplomatic Corps and senior officials from the Guyana Defense Force and the Guyana Police Force.
Below is a short video clip of the Remembrance Day ceremony held in Georgetown on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
