BDF REMEMBERS FALLEN HEROES President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama was among dignitaries who thronged the Extension 14 Cemetery to honour members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) who died when Rhodesian forces ambushed them in Lesoma in 1978. President Khama laid a wreath on the tombstone of the 15 soldiers. Also present at the ceremony was the Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, former vice president, Lt Gen. Mompati Merafhe, cabinet ministers, some survivors of the ambush and parents of the fallen heroes. The commander of the BDF, Lt Gen. Gaolathe Galebotswe said starting from next year, the commemoration would go beyond victims of the Lesoma ambush to include all fallen soldiers who died in the line of duty such as during peace support operations in Darfur, inter regional deployments, BOLEAS, local deployments and during training, as well as those who fought in earlier, pre-BDF, conflicts including the two world wars. Lt Gen. Galebotswe said consultations were ongoing to establish if the commemorations could become a national event to recognise all fallen heroes and heroines. He said the death of the heroes should never be in vain, hence the theme for this year was: We Shall Never Forget. He said it was upon Batswana to live their legacy and uphold their achievements, adding that by honouring the fallen heroes, the military community was keeping its memories alive. He added that it was through their sacrifice that the country continued to enjoy freedom, peace. The inaugural Lesoma commemoration was held in April 2011. The BDF has chosen February 27 to honour soldiers who lost their lives while on duty. Commemoration activities included raising the flag to half mast, sounding of the fanfare, and the last post, three gun salute and the raising of the flag to full mast. (BOPA)
Posted on: Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:51:40 +0000
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