Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is also the Commander of Armed forces, yesterday unveiled the names of four Botswana Defence Force members inducted into the BDF Monument at Parliament grounds in Gaborone.
The induction and unveiling of the four soldiers, who lost their lives while serving the country, was part of the activities of the Fallen Heroes Commemoration Day.
Dr Masisi also laid a wreath at the BDF Monument in remembrance of the fallen heroes and heroines.
The four are Major Gaolatlhe Tiro, who lost his life on September 29, 2007 from enemy fire while on United Nations Mission in Darfur,Sudan, Lance Corporal Obakeng Tlhaloganyo who lost his life on March 11, 2020 after being shot by a poacher while on anti-poaching duty at Chiefs Islands, Lance Corporal Zikamee Kamai, who lost his life on November 29, 2022 after being shot by terrorists while on SADC Mission in Mozambique and Private Christopher Mphetlhe who lost his life after being shot by a poacher during anti-poaching operations along the Chobe River.
The commemoration was also characterised by a three gun volley salute, which the director of proceedings, Colonel Mothata Makgasane explained was used to honour, show trust and respect to the BDF members.
The occasion was concluded by the sounding of the reveille and hoisting of flags to full mast. Col. Makgasane said the sounding of the reveille was used to notify personnel that it was time to rise and was also motivation to those in service to serve diligently and continue to sacrifice their lives to protect the nation.
As for the hoisting of flags to full mast, Col. Makgasane said it signified the transition from the state of sorrow to normalcy.
The event was commemorated in various locations across the country; Lesoma, Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe, Thebephatshwa Air Base and Gaborone.
The commemoration of the Fallen Heroes Day began on February 27, 2011 primarily to remember the 15 BDF members who died during the Lesoma ambush by then Rhodesian regime on February 27, 1978.
He said following the initial commemoration, a deliberate decision was taken to recognise other fallen heroes and heroines who met their demise in the line of duty hence the name was changed to Fallen Heroes Day.
He said the event was not only to celebrate the fallen BDF heroes and heroines but also the forefathers who died during World War II and beyond.
The day’s activities commenced with observing a moment of silence, followed by sounding of the last post in remembrance of the fallen heroes and heroines.
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