Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) known as Remembrance Day is commemorated annually in Nigeria. The Remembrance Day is officially observed on January 15th to remember the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It also honors survivors of the Nigerian Civil War, World War I and II.
Today, January 15th, marks another Armed Forces Remembrance Day, as our hearts are filled with emotions, sadness, gratitude, and pride. We join millions of patriotic Nigerians to remember the gallant men and women who have laid their lives in the line of duty, protecting, and securing nation and its citizens. We honor their sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to our country.
As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to take for granted the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, or the freedom and security we enjoy. But the truth is, our peace and stability come at a great cost. The cost of lives lost, families torn apart, and dreams shattered. The cost of sons and daughters who will never come home, of parents who will never see their children grow up, of wives and husbands, who have become widows and widowers respectively, and who will never again feel the warmth of their partner’s touch. These are the sacrifices that our military men and women make every day. They put their lives on the line, facing danger and uncertainty with every mission, every deployment, and every patrol. They miss weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, all so that we can celebrate ours in peace.
And yet some of us feel we have nothing to mark in the name of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, despite the risks and the hardships, they continue to serve with honor, pride, and a deep sense of duty. They are the embodiment of courage, resilience, and selflessness. They are the guardians of our nation, the defenders of our freedom, and the heroes of our time.
So, when you meet a military man or woman, doff your hat, and tell him you are proud of him or her as you talk about the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Shake their hand. Thank them for their service. Listen to their stories, and honor their sacrifices. Remember that they are not just soldiers, sailors, airforce, or naval officers – they have sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and friends just like you.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day reminds us that military officers are the ones who have seen the worst of humanity, yet believe in the best of us. They are the ones who have faced the darkness of war but shine with the light of hope. They are the ones who have paid the supreme price, yet inspire us with their courage, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to our nation.
The celebrations for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day include the following:
- Ministerial briefing
- Humanitarian day
- Emblem appeal launch
- Religious services
- Wreath-laying ceremony.
As we commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us remember the fallen, honor the living, and celebrate the bravery and selflessness of our military men and women. Let us never forget the sacrifices they make, the risks they take, and the freedom they defend.
On this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us raise our hats, lower our flags, and observe a moment of silence to honor the memory of those who have paid the supreme price. Let us show our gratitude, our respect, and our admiration for the brave men and women who serve our nation with honor, pride, and a deep sense of duty.
iNaijanow appreciates our gallant officers as we mark another Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
