Army Remembrance Day: Jonathan, others honour fallen heroes

By Lawrence Olaoye

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday led leaders of the legislature, judiciary, military and para-military Organisations to honour the nation’s fallen heroes.

The President, alongside others, laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes at the National Arcade, Abuja.

The event with the theme “Appreciating the The Nigerian Armed Forces”, started with the arrival of the President, who is also the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion.

Jonathan was treated to a general salute, rendition of the National Anthem and inspection of parade.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and for peace, security and unity of the nation by Christian and Muslim clerics.

Shortly after the prayers, the president laid a wreath, followed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha among others.

After the wreath laying, military and para-military men on parade fired guns shots and saluted.

The president thereafter released white pigeons, which signifies freedom, unity, peace and harmony for the country and also signed the register.

The annual ceremony was held to honour and remember fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and unity of the country.