Ninety-eight-year-old Franklyn Courtman of Onderneeming, Region Two was the focus of admiration on Sunday when he joined the Regional Democratic Council’s Memorial Service for the fallen heroes of World Wars I and II.
Courtman was taken to the service by his granddaughters and still vividly remembers his services during World War II. At 98 years old, Courtman says he continues to impart those experiences to other servicemen, while confessing that he is currently enjoying the fruits of the good deeds he did in the past.
Many attendees expressed their admiration for Courtman and for what he exemplifies for them; the opportunity to have photographs taken with him was not missed. Courtman also laid a wreath at the foot of the cenotaph.
Delivering remarks at the service, Region Two’s Chairperson, Vilma De Silva said that the efforts and sacrifices of the fallen servicemen and women must always be remembered. She said that Guyanese will forever be grateful for the efforts of WW I & II veterans. De Silva urged school children in attendance to dig deeper into their history and to keep reading about the wars. She later met Courtman and personally thanked him for his services.
The programme featured tributes to the fallen heroes and heroines and wreaths were laid at the foot of the cenotaph by various organizations.
At the end, persons used the opportunity to take photographs with the veterans of the Essequibo Chapter of the Guyana Veteran Legion. Also in attendance were Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack, Region Two GPF Commander, Khemraj Rambarran, and Station Chief of the Anna Regina Fire Station.
