As the nation marks the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, on Friday in Yenagoa commended the officers and men of the various Armed Forces for safeguarding the nation’s democratic rule and defending its territorial integrity.
He gave the commendation at the wreath laying ceremony of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Peace park, Yenagoa.
He said, “January 15 every year is set aside for all to remember both the fallen heroes and those still serving in the military and the event was being celebrated simultaneously in the 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja.
“Our gratitude to men and women in uniform must be restated at all times because for us, the military remains the foremost and the most important guarantor of the nation’s constitutional order. That is one area the military has excelled. For the past 16 years, the country has been on the move toward democracy and at the forefront of protecting that democratic order.”
According to him, the Armed Forces have contributed enormously to forming the character of the nation.
He commending the sacrifices made particularly in fighting insurgency in the North East and other parts of the country.
While paying tributes to the departed and serving heroes, Dickson described their profession as a unique calling, as they pay the supreme price in the course of serving their fatherland and contributing to national greatness.
Dickson who urged the people to also remember the families left behind by the fallen heroes, noted that the event offers opportunity to government at all levels and people of goodwill to render assistance to them.
The governor said, “We congratulate you because your calling is a special one because your service is unique because you are contributing by donating the most precious gift that God gave to mankind which is your life. That is why all of us commend you for your love and patriotism for your fatherland.
“We appreciate your sacrifices, services and contributions. Today, we remember our fallen heroes in particular but this is also an opportunity for us to bear in mind that we owe not just the heroes gone by but heroes who are alive and serving.”
Highlight of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the “Unknown Soldier” at the Peace Park, by Governor Seriake Dickson, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, representative of the State Chief Judge, Justice Margaret Akpomiemie as well as service chiefs of the various Armed Forces.
A minute silence was observed and firing of salvo in honour of the departed heroes.
Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete Spiff, representative of widow of fallen heroes, Mrs. Bekere Zuokumo and chairman of the state Legionnaires, Mr. Effiong Igirgi also laid wreaths at the cenotaph.
