A Cenotaph is a funerary monument raised to the memory of the deceased. Unlike a mausoleum it never holds the ashes or remains of the dead. Located opposite the Bank of Guyana at the southern end of Main Street, Georgetown, our Cenotaph is a memorial to all Guyanese soldiers who died in service during the two World Wars 1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945.

On August 14, 1923, the ninth anniversary of the declaration of war with Germany, British Colonial Governor, Graeme Thompson, unveiled this war memorial, which was funded through government subscription.

At the unveiling ceremony the hope was expressed that the Cenotaph would be the most honoured of all the memorials in the city, one which will be regarded by posterity with reverence and respect and which will keep green the memories of the valuable lives this colony sacrificed for a just and righteous cause.

Built of marble the Cenotaph stands 4.5m high. Inscribed on the four faces of the monument are the words: Devotion, Humanity, Fortitude and Sacrifice. State officials and other dignitaries honour our fallen heroes by holding annual memorial ceremonies with the laying of wreaths.