“Gallant Officers and men of the RSLAF, we have undertaken development programmes to improve on morale in the Armed Forces. We are therefore hopeful that, with our continued support, in the not-too-distant future, Sierra Leoneans will have an Armed Force that they will be proud of.”
These were the exact words of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma yesterday at the celebration of Armed Forces Day in Sierra Leone held at the National Stadium in Freetown.
The President also used the occasion to highlight progress and challenges in the transformation of the Army. He went on “We are gathered here today to mark the transformation of Myohaung Day to Armed Forces Day. This is a significant milestone for the gallant officers, men and women of our Armed Forces who have fought in many other battles since Myohaung, and they have repeatedly proved their gallantry and sacrificed lives and limbs for the glory of Mother Sierra Leone.”
He further showered praises on the army for their exemplary conduct and gallantry showed during the Congo Wars, where they served with honor and fortitude in Liberia, and heroically defended the motherland during the rebel war in the country, noting the significant role played by servicemen and women in the armed forces of Sierra Leone.
The President also said “It is our duty to commemorate Myohaung. But it is also our greater duty to give relevance to the commemoration of gallantry by saluting those who quite recently lived up to the tradition of heroism and service that was shown by the soldiers who fought at Myohaung.”
On the significance of the celebration the President said “we are rededicating ourselves to the examples that they set. By honoring their heroism, we are singing the praises of our native land. By celebrating their gallantry, we are exalting this realm of the free.”
He added that the Armed Forces Day is also a day of thanksgiving to God for giving the strength and will to be true to our solemn pledges of loyalty to the democratic constitution.
The country today is exalted the world over for its dedication to the ballot box. When democracy is talked about in Africa, Sierra Leoneans hold up their heads high.
The President assured that no one would distract them from strengthening these achievements. The country has chosen the path of democracy, peace and service. He noted that “the person who struggles against that choice struggles in vain. For, as Commander-in- Chief, I know the armed forces stand ready to defend the democratic achievements of the people.”
He promised to continue his support to the RSLAF by transforming it into a well-catered-for and disciplined force, to consolidate the gains of the peace they gallantly fought for to meet its international obligations, noting that Government has authorised the deployment of a company-size Reconnaissance unit of the RSLAF to Darfur in Sudan.
On the current state of accommodation of serving personnel the President said it is definitely a cause for concern to his Government and promised to make improvements by commissioning 200 units of prefab accommodation at the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC) that were graciously donated by the Government of India.
The President also said health and sanitation has also not been neglected, as the 34 Military Hospitals – one of the oldest military hospitals in British Western Africa – has had a face-lift. Noting that apart from the general refurbishment, the hospital now has fully air-conditioned VIP wards, each with a satellite television and DVD.
He added that six more Medical Doctors have been recruited to add to the existing number to transform the military hospital into a modern medical centre, worthy to serve not just the army but the people of Sierra Leone.
The President also recognized the crucial role of training and capacity building in the transformation of the RSLAF.
The President said the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC), as well as Junior Division (JD) Courses at the Horton Academy will continue to avail itself of training opportunities from friendly disposed nations as 10 Cadet Officers recently departed the shores for Uganda for Officer Cadet Courses in that country.
He added that such courses will no doubt complement other external training opportunities provided by our development partners.
RSLAF personnel were decorated with Presidential awards for their meritorious and exemplary performance in the Army. They are Colonel Brima Bureh Sesay, PJ Juana Lt, and Commander of the Maritime Wing while the following received the Chief Petty Officers awards from the Chief of Defense Staff. RSLAF Johnson, Grant John, O Kamara and Staff sergeant Conteh all received their awards at the celebration of Armed Forces Day.
Earlier RSLAF personnel including SLP, Prisons, OSD, Fire Force and Metropolitan Police officers marched from Victoria Park to the National Stadium to show their strength and support while F.M. Dumbuya of the Maritime Wing led the Parade Command amidst chairs and jubilations from Government officials and the public.
By Saidu Bah