President
Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday led leaders of the legislature and
judiciary, military and para-military organisations to honour Nigeria’s
fallen heroes.
They performed the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja.
The 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with the theme: “Appreciating the The Nigerian
Upon the arrival of the president, there was a general salute, rendition of the National Anthem and inspection of parade.
Prayers were
offered for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and for peace,
security and unity of the nation by Christian and Muslim clerics.
Shortly after
the prayers, the president laid a wreath, followed by Vice-President
Namadi Sambo, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, and the Deputy
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.
Others who also
laid wreaths are: the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmoud
Mohammed, the Minister of Defence, retired Lt-Gen. Aliyu Gusau, and the
FCT Minister, Malam Bala Mohammed.
The Chief of
Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Army Staff,
Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Adm. Usman
Jibrin, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu also laid
wreaths.
Others who also
laid the wreaths include: the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman
Abba, the Dean of the Diplomatic corps and the High Commissioner of Mali
to Nigeria, Mr Mahamane Maiga, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion,
retired Col. Micah Gayya.
After the wreath laying, military and para-military men on parade fired guns shots and saluted.
The president
thereafter released white pigeons, which signifies freedom, unity, peace
and harmony for the country and also signed the register.
The annual
ceremony is held to honour and remember fallen heroes who sacrificed
their lives for the freedom and unity of the country.
The ceremony is also meant to appreciate members of the Armed Forces who survived various wars.
The Armed
Forces Remembrance Day is globally celebrated on Nov. 11 to honour
members of the armed forces who died during the First and Second World
wars.
However, in
order to reflect Nigeria’s peculiar historical experience, January 15 of
every year was set aside to commemorate the end of the Nigerian civil
war.
The ceremony
was attended by the National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo
Dasuki, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim
Pius Anyim, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Dalandi
Kifasi, ministers and other senior government officials.
Also in
attendance were members of the armed forces and their wives, members of
the Nigerian Legion and some widows of the departed heroes.
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