Standing solemnly at the intersection of Main Street and Church Street in Georgetown, the Cenotaph is one of Guyana's most honored memorials. This marble monument pays tribute to the Guyanese soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I and World War II — men who traveled across oceans to fight for freedom in lands far from home.
For over a century, this memorial has served as the focal point for national remembrance, a place where Guyanese gather each November to honor the memory of their fallen heroes and reflect on the price of peace.
The Cenotaph at a Glance
The Four Sacred Words
On the four faces of the Cenotaph's base, four words are inscribed — each representing a core virtue embodied by the soldiers who served:
DEVOTION
Loyalty to duty and country
HUMANITY
Compassion for fellow humans
FORTITUDE
Courage in the face of adversity
SACRIFICE
Giving all for a greater cause
These words encapsulate the spirit of the Guyanese men and women who answered the call to serve, many never returning home to the land they loved.
History of the Cenotaph
Origins: The Kitchener Memorial Fund
February 3, 1917
The idea for a war memorial began during World War I when the Mayor of Georgetown launched a campaign to erect a monument honoring those who died in service. Originally conceived as a tribute to Lord Kitchener, a "Kitchener Memorial Fund" was established and advertised in local newspapers to raise funds for the memorial.
The Unveiling Ceremony
August 14, 1923
The Cenotaph was officially unveiled by Governor Sir Graeme Thomson on the 9th anniversary of England declaring war against Germany. Hundreds of people witnessed the ceremony, which featured a Guard of Honour of approximately 100 persons consisting of returned soldiers and members of the artillery and Police Force.
Mr. E.G. Woolford, Chairman of the War Memorial Committee, handed over the monument to acting Mayor Joseph Gonsalves on behalf of the City of Georgetown, who would serve as its future custodians. Wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives in France, Egypt, Belgium, East Africa, and elsewhere.
What Stood Before
Before the Cenotaph was erected, the location was occupied by an ornate cast iron drinking fountain installed in 1867 to mark the completion of Georgetown's Water Works. Manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co. at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, the Victorian fountain was relocated to the green opposite St. Rose's High School on Church Street — where it can still be seen today.
Guyana's War Service
The Cenotaph honors Guyanese soldiers who served in both World Wars, fighting in theaters across the globe alongside British and Allied forces.
World War I (1914-1918)
- Over 700 British Guianese men enlisted with the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR)
- Served in Egypt, France, Belgium, Palestine, and East Africa
- Fought against German and Ottoman (Turkish) forces
- Notable veteran: Gershom Barnabas Onesimus Browne (1898-2000), Guyana's last surviving WWI veteran, who served in North Africa and Palestine
World War II (1939-1945)
- Volunteers served with the British Caribbean Forces, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service
- By 1943, 61 Guyanese airmen had seen active service
- British Guiana supplied approximately two-thirds of all bauxite used to manufacture aluminum for Allied aircraft
- Atkinson Field (now Cheddi Jagan International Airport) was established as an American air base to protect bauxite shipments
The strategic importance of British Guiana's bauxite deposits meant that even those who remained home contributed directly to the war effort, working the mines that provided essential materials for the Allied air forces.
Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Remembrance Sunday) is observed at the Cenotaph on the second Sunday of November each year. This solemn ceremony brings together government officials, veterans, military personnel, diplomats, and ordinary citizens to honor those who served.
The Ceremony
The annual observance includes:
- Military parade with joint services
- Presidential salute
- Sounding of the Last Post
- Two minutes of silence to remember fallen soldiers
- Wreath-laying ceremony led by the President of Guyana
Order of Wreath-Laying
The ceremony follows a formal protocol, with wreaths laid in this order:
- President of Guyana
- Prime Minister
- Chief of Defence Staff
- President of the Guyana Veterans Legion
- Commissioner of Police
- Members of the diplomatic corps (UK High Commissioner, foreign ambassadors)
- Other government officials and dignitaries
The ceremony is attended by members of the Guyana Legion, the Joint Services (Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service), and members of the public who come to pay their respects.
From Armistice Day to Remembrance Day
Originally called Armistice Day and observed on November 11 (marking the end of WWI at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), the observance was renamed Remembrance Day after World War II ended in 1945. Since 1956, many Commonwealth countries including Guyana have observed it on the second Sunday of November.
Visiting the Cenotaph
Location
Junction of Main St & Church St, opposite Bank of Guyana
Access
Open 24/7 as a public outdoor monument
Admission
Free — no tickets required
Photography
Best in morning or late afternoon light
Tips for Visitors
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting
- Special occasion: November's second Sunday for the Remembrance Day ceremony (arrive early for good viewing)
- Respectful behavior: This is a solemn memorial site — please maintain appropriate decorum
- Nearby attractions: The Cenotaph is centrally located near other historic Georgetown landmarks, making it easy to include in a walking tour
- Getting there: Located in the heart of Georgetown, easily accessible by taxi or on foot from most hotels
Explore Georgetown's History
Discover more of the capital's historic monuments and colonial architecture.
Georgetown ArchitectureFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the Georgetown Cenotaph located?
The Cenotaph is located at the junction of Main Street and Church Street in South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, directly opposite the Bank of Guyana building.
When was the Cenotaph built?
The Cenotaph was officially unveiled on August 14, 1923, by Governor Sir Graeme Thomson. Fundraising began in 1917 during World War I.
When is Remembrance Day in Guyana?
Remembrance Day is observed on the second Sunday of November each year. The formal ceremony at the Cenotaph includes wreath-laying, the Last Post, and two minutes of silence.
What do the inscriptions on the Cenotaph say?
The four faces of the base bear four words: DEVOTION, HUMANITY, FORTITUDE, and SACRIFICE — representing the values of those who served.
Can tourists visit the Cenotaph?
Yes, the Cenotaph is an outdoor public monument accessible 24/7 at no charge. Visitors should maintain respectful behavior at this solemn memorial site.
Last updated: January 2026. Interested in Guyana's history? Explore our guides to historical sites or learn about the 1763 Monument commemorating Guyana's freedom struggle.