27 Feb 2019

As part of Fallen Heroes Day activities, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on February 27 laid a wreath at the Three Dikgosi Monument in Gaborone in remembrance of soldiers who died in the line of duty.
   The President, together with First Lady Neo Masisi, Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane and a host of other dignitaries converged at the monument on the day which is the 41st anniversary of the Lesoma massacre.
 Addressing attendants, Botswana Defence Force (BDF) commander, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo, explained the background of the day and impressed on his audience the importance of recognising all national heroes.
“It is worth mentioning that exactly 41 years ago on this very day of February 27, 1978, the BDF lost 15 members during an ambush by elements of the Rhodesian Armed Forces at Lesoma Sand Ridge. This was during the Chimurenga or Liberation War of Zimbabwe and it was charactarised by numerous cross border attacks by forces of the Ian Smith regime,” Lt Gen. Segokgo said.
February 27 was first observed as Lesoma Commemoration Day in 2011 at Gaborone’s Extension 14 Cemetery in where the 15 combatants are buried and the day was later renamed Fallen Heroes Day.
Lt Gen Segokgo said the event, simultaneously commemorated at the Three Dikgosi monument in Gaborone, Thebephatswa Air Base, Donga Camp in Francistown, Lesoma village as well at the Eastern Military Garrison in Selebi Phikwe, should also remember non-army heroes who died on national duty.
“We ought not forget the wonderful and patriotic men and women from other sectors who met their untimely deaths while serving the country with courage and distinction. To the families and friends of those we honour, there is no speech or ceremony that can ease your pain, but today we join together in commemoration to honour the courage of the heroes you afforded us. Though we may grieve, we must emphatically reject despair, but rather celebrate their marked contributions,” remarked Lt Gen. Segokgo.
He the fallen heroes had served and sacrificied for a national purpose far greater than their individual selves.
“This moment of remembrance is something each one of us can do to keep the memory of our fallen alive in our hearts. Surely we owe them nothing less than to remember and give thanks for what they have done on our behalf,” Lt Gen. Sekgokgo stated. ends