Africa-Press – Botswana. President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, led the country in remembering the 15 Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers who lost their lives at Lesoma during an ambush by the then Rhodesian armed forces on February 27, 1978.
As part of Fallen Heroes Day commemoration, the President laid a wreath at the World War II monument in front of Parliament buildings.
Dr Masisi, who is commander-in-chief of Botswana’s armed forces, was joined by Vice President Slumber Tsogwane who also laid a wreath at the monument.
Minister of Defense and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame as well as other senior government and army officials also laid wreaths.
The ceremony is aimed at ensuring that the sacrifices made by the country’s fallen heroes and heroines were never forgotten.
Fallen Heroes Day commemoration began in 2011 to remember the 15 Lesoma ambush victims.
Then known as the Lesoma commemoration, it was held at the Extension 14 Cemetery where the 15 soldiers were buried.
However, a decision has since been taken to recognise other fallen heroes and heroines who died in the line of duty necessitating the change of name to Fallen Heroes Day.
The annual event is characterised by flags flying at half-mast at all BDF installations, observation of a moment of silence in remembrance of the dead as well as a three-gun volley salute and sounding of the reveille.
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