01 Mar 2022

Flags flew at half mast yesterday, as President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his cabinet ministers honored Botswana’s heroes at the World War II and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) monuments located at Parliament Gardens.

Dr Masisi arrived to a military salute, which was followed by a moment of silence and prayer.

Thereafter, and accompanied by BDF Commander, Lt Gen Placid Segokgo, he proceeded to lay a wreath on the World War II Memorial.

Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, accompanied by Deputy BDF commander Major General Gotsileene Morake replicated the action, laying a wreath on the BDF Fallen Heroes Monument. Ministers Kagiso Mmusi of defence, justice and security and Mr Kabo Morwaeng of presidential affairs, governance and public administration laid wreaths on the World War memorial and BDF Heroes monument respectively.

Fifteen BDF members died in Lesoma in February 1978 when they fell into ambush laid by Ian Smith’s Rhodesian Security Forces.

The commemoration day recognises these fallen heroes and heroines who died in the line of duty, as well as the brave Batswana soldiers who went to fight for the planet’s freedom during the Second World War.

In their remembrance and recognition of their sacrifice, flags are flown at half-mast, and a moment of silence is observed before wreaths are laid on the monuments upon which their names are inscribed.

The laying of wreaths symbolises the contradiction that is the beauty and brevity of life.

The nostalgia-inducing Last Post musical call follows afterwards in lullaby to the departed.

A “three gun volley salute to show honour, respect and trust to the departed heroes follows.

The sudden and urgent sounding of the Reveille comes just before the return of the flags to full mast to awaken and motivate those in service to continue serving diligently. Ends