The celebration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria’s federal capital, Abuja served more than remembrance of Nigerian soldiers who fell in various theatres of military operation.
It was an opportunity for Nigeria as a nation to thank members of the armed forces for their commitment to the war against insurrection which both Boko Haram and ISWAP are waging against the Nigerian state.
Vice President Kashim Shetima led other dignitaries to lay wreath at the cenotaph in Abuja.
The ceremony which was solemn marks the nation’s highest gratitude to an institution whose members have laid down their lives for the survival of the nation.
The event in which the leadership of the national assembly, the diplomatic corps and high ranking officers of the armed forces participated, had an expanded symbolism.
The occasion was used to thank both dead and serving members of the armed forces and members of their families for their sacrifices to the nation.
It was also an occasion for the government to recommit itself to the welfare of the members of the armed forces.