By Mada Augustine Ngombu
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen’s Association in collaboration with other institutions have celebrated people who fought in the two World Wars, the country’s rebel war and victims of past disasters, by holding a Remembrance Day Service and other commemorative events.
The ceremonies took place on the 11 and 13 November at the Taylor Cummings Garden, Pademba Road and at the Cenotaph Building at George Street both in Freetown, to remember all the fallen compatriots including victims of the Ebola epidemic, the mudslide disaster, the Covid-19 pandemic and the petrol tanker blaze at Wellington in Freetown.
Speaking to Journalists, the Joint Force Commander of RSLAF, Major- General Dauda Fred Alpha said it were to honour soldiers that sacrificed their lives to liberate the world.
He said it is important that Sierra Leone reflects and give them the respect they deserve.
He further said Sierra Leoneans should be patriotic to support the nation as togetherness help to build a great nation.
“When we come together and work as a team, there is every likelihood that we will succeed.Let us uphold the integrity of our nation”, he said.
Speaking to Journalists, Acting President of the Sierra Leone Ex-servicemen’s Association Abubakar Sorie Kamara said the association is one of the oldest in the country, established in 1953 to look after the welfare of the retirees from the armed forces.
He said many of them are able to perform other duties but unfortunately, they cannot secure a job to sustain themselves after service.
He said during the Sierra Leone civil war many people were enlisted into the military, not considering their educational background or trade qualification.
“If you serve, and you are not educated, without any trade qualification to secure job, after service, life becomes difficult” he said.
He also added that other security agencies should employ some of the ex-servicemen to help reduce unemployment, and encouraged those that have not yet registered with the association to do so. He also pleaded that the authorities address their welfare.
Speaking to the Media, Deputy Director- General in the Ministry of Defence D.S Macfoi said he was happy for such ceremony to be organized again after it was disrupted by the Covid –19 outbreak.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (16/11/22)
