Every year, on January 15, Nigerians celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for the nation’s peace and security. Whether they fought in the World War I and II, the Nigerian Civil War, or the various counter-insurgency operations, these heroes deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
But how much do we really know about the history and significance of this special day? And how can we show our appreciation and support to the living veterans and the families of the fallen ones? Here are some facts and tips to help you understand and commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Origin of the Day
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day was originally celebrated on November 11, as part of the Commonwealth tradition of observing the Remembrance Day (or Poppy Day) to mark the end of the First World War. However, in 1970, the date was changed to January 15 in Nigeria, to coincide with the day that the Nigerian Civil War ended with the surrender of the Biafran troops to the federal forces.
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a bloody conflict that lasted from 1967 to 1970, and claimed the lives of over a million people. The war was sparked by the secession of the Eastern Region, which declared itself as the Republic of Biafra, from the rest of Nigeria. The federal government, led by General Yakubu Gowon, launched a military campaign to reunify the country, while the Biafran leader, Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, resisted with his loyal forces. The war ended with the defeat of the Biafrans and the reintegration of the region into Nigeria.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is therefore a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and healing, as well as a reminder of the need to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria.
The celebration of the day
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a public holiday in Nigeria, and it is marked by various events and ceremonies across the country. The most prominent one is the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Cenotaph in Abuja, where the President of Nigeria, along with other dignitaries and representatives of the armed forces, pay their respects to the fallen heroes by placing wreaths on their graves. The ceremony also features the release of white pigeons to symbolize peace, the playing of the last post, a 21-gun salute, and a parade by the military personnel.
Similar ceremonies are also held at the state and local levels, where the governors and other officials lay wreaths at the cenotaphs and monuments dedicated to the war veterans. In addition, the Nigerian Legion, a veterans’ association, organizes various activities and programs to support the welfare and empowerment of the living veterans and the widows and orphans of the deceased ones.
The meaning of the day
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is more than just a ritual or a tradition. It is a meaningful and important occasion that serves several purposes. First, it is a way of expressing our gratitude and appreciation to the heroes who have sacrificed their lives for our nation. They deserve our recognition and respect for their courage and patriotism. Second, it is a way of showing our solidarity and compassion to the survivors and the families of the heroes. They deserve our support and assistance for their loss and hardship. Third, it is a way of reflecting on the lessons and values of the wars and conflicts that have shaped our nation. They deserve our attention and action for our peace and security.
Therefore, as we celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us not forget the essence and significance of the day. Let us remember the labours of our heroes past, and let us honour them with our words and deeds. Also lets remember the challenges and threats that our nation faces today, and let us support our armed forces with our prayers and patriotism. Let us make this day a tribute to our heroes, and a pledge to our nation.
