The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) last Saturday celebrated the Armed Forces Day with a ‘Beating of the retreat’ at the Hockey Pitch at the Wilberforce Barracks. The ceremony was well attended by a large crowd of people including members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp, military officials, ministers of government and officials and members of the public.
The beating of the retreat, it was stated, has had its origins in the early war days, when the drum was used for all forms of signal on the battle field. Beating the retreat was a signal for troops to disengage from combat as light fades. This custom was also used to warm outlying friendly troops to withdraw to the confines of the encampment before the piquets were set for the night.
On this occasion, the beating of the retreat started after the arrival of the President and after the salute has been taken, permission was taken by the Retreat Commander from the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces to conduct the retreat. The beating of the retreat took different formation styles and rhythmic sounds led by the Band Director and a Drum Major.
Presentation of Awards for outstanding performances in lines of duty formed part of the celebration. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Award was given to SLA1382 Captain J. G. Sesay, Director of Music in the Armed Force Band and was presented to by the President.
The Minister of Defense Award for 2012 went to Corporal Ben Faika and was presented to him by the Minister of Defense, Paolo Conteh, while award for long service was presented to four officers for their meritoriously long years serving the Army.
Addressing the Army, President Ernest Bai Koroma described serving in the army as “a sacred job” and that it requires everything to make its works comfortable. He noted that as a government, they are doing everything to boost up facilities in terms of logistics and a better welfare to make the army attractive. He noted the “significant strives” made by his government in the improvement of personnel entitlement and the revised condition of service, pointing out, “they are in the final stage and will soon be submitted to Cabinet for consideration. The President also reassured the personnel of decent housing by informing that government is in close consultation with donor partners concerning their poor housing condition. He thanked the UN for giving the RSLAF the opportunity to showcase their professionalism at the international scene, through its peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Sudan and so on. The programme ended with a cocktail.
By Nancy Koroma
ADVERTISEMENT