Africa-Press – Ghana. November 11th is set aside as “Armistice Day” or “Remembrance Day” to remember and honour dead and surviving veterans who fought in wars, especially the two World Wars.
A few surviving heroes, whose toil and perseverance in the trenches of the cruel battlefields shaped the course of history, are still alive.
Uniformed men and women who have served in various capacities in the militaries, especially in Commonwealth countries, including Ghana are also honoured on that day.
Commemoration in GhanaGhana joins the rest of the world in memorialising Veterans Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the sacrifices, bravery, and service of military veterans who devoted their lives to defending peace, freedom, and national security both at home and abroad.
The main national event is usually organised annually by the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.
The ceremony is typically held at the in Accra and all regional capitals, often marked by the laying of wreaths in honour of fallen soldiers.
The Government and Veterans’ Affairs
Established under Act 844 of 2012, the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG) is the statutory body responsible for the welfare and affairs of ex-servicemen and women.
The organisation provides social, medical, and financial support to veterans and their dependents while promoting national awareness about their invaluable contributions.Honouring Ghana’s Few Surviving WWII Veterans
Among the few surviving Ghanaian World War II veterans is Corporal Joseph Hammond, now in his late 90s, who fought in the Royal West African Frontier Force during the Burma Campaign.
Despite his advanced age, Cpl. Hammond continues to inspire the younger generation with his commitment to service.
The Ghanaian Veterans legacy in Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Since the days of the Congo Crisis in the 1960s, Ghanaian soldiers have served with distinction in various United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Through these missions, Ghana’s military personnel have not only safeguarded the peace but also promoted post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian relief, and stability in conflict-prone regions.
Significance and Benefits to the Nation
As Ghana joins the rest of the world to observe Veterans Day, reflecting on the sacrifices and contributions of those who served in defence of peace and humanity, citizens need to be sensitised on the importance of respecting the contributions of such individuals through media campaigns.
The commemoration should go beyond the promotion of national unity and welfare of veterans to instil patriotic values among the youth and children through the educational system.
Call to Honour and Remember
As Ghana marks this year’s Veterans Day, citizens must take time to remember the sacrifices of the few remaining World War II veterans, as well as the thousands of retired officers and soldiers who have kept the nation safe through decades of internal stability and external peace missions.
Honouring them is not merely a symbolic gesture but a moral responsibility — a collective acknowledgment that the peace and freedom Ghanaians enjoy today were secured through the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of these gallant men and women.
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