On Monday, President Bola Tinubu led the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and the diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

The event, which involved laying a wreath at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

First to lay the wreath was the president, followed by Mr Akpabio, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

The wreath was also laid by defence minister Muhammed Badaru, FCT minister Nyesome Wike and junior defence minister Bello Matawalle.

They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; Chief of Army, Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of the Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla; and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Other dignitaries who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony are members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion and the widows of late officers and soldiers represented by the Military Widows Association (MIWA) president, Veronica Aluko.

There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes, which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting on the war front to remove the dead from the battlefield.

Mr Tinubu, after that, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.

The celebration started with a series of activities, including the Jumma’at prayer on Jan. 12 at the National Mosque and the Interdenominational Christian service on January 14.

This year’s celebration also featured sporting activities such as golf tournaments and paintball combat competitions organised by the Defence Headquarters, among other activities.

January 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes who served humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.

The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.

(NAN)