More than 50 Joint Services veterans were honoured on Friday, at the 8th annual Veteran’s Luncheon held at Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston.
Captain Gerald Gouveia Jnr. who hosted the event said the Roraima Group of Companies is honoured to share this festive season and give back to those who dedicated their lives and made a noble sacrifice for their country.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, the aim of the Veteran’s Luncheon is to pay respects to those who served Guyana in the Joint Services and spread Christmas cheer. It has become an integral part of the Christmas tradition at Roraima Airways.
During the event, the veterans sang songs, performed poems and shared stories with each other while enjoying the festive atmosphere, the DPI release added.
Eighty-seven-year-old Kingly Nelson told the DPI that this is his second year at the event. Nelson who served in both the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force said that it is commendable that those who served their country are recognised and celebrated.
“I served in the World War II era even though I did not go overseas, I gave my whole heart to the public service and I stand here now reaping the rewards, God has been good to me that I have lived this long and enjoy those rewards. So, on behalf of the Guyana Legion, I want to wish everybody a happy Christmas,” Nelson was quoted as saying.
Veterans Welfare Officer and retired Staff Sergeant Beverly Somerset said that this is one of the most exciting times of the year for the veterans since they look forward to the event. “Before the date is presented by Roraima, the veterans call sometimes two or three weeks before to find out when it will be held. Many of them are very excited to attend because they do not get out often due to their physical condition. So, especially at this time of the year, they are eager to come out and enjoy themselves” Somerset stated.
The veteran’s associations which participated in the Roraima Veterans Luncheon were the Guyana Veterans Legion and the Millicent Greaves Citizens Home.
