01 Mar 2022

Some Botswana Defence Force members based at the Eastern Military Garrison, Selebi Phikwe have painted a picture of what it means to be a soldier and to die a hero.

While in his opening prayer during Fallen Heroes Commemoration yesterday chaplain Captain Kebonyekgotla Nchoko likened military service to Jesus’ sacrificial death for the salvation of mankind, fellow soldiers found serving in the army a calling requiring total commitment.

“When soldiers go for an operation they know that their colleagues will not forget them when they die in the line of duty,” Garrison commander Lieutenant Colonel Pulafela Moloi said in an interview post the event.

“We shall never forget them,” Lt Col Moloi said about the fallen heroes.

Lance Corporal Baitshepi of artillery unit, who was among those conducting the three-gun salute volley, said it was not easy to commit to defending the territory of Botswana.

However, it is the oath of allegiance to the country that he taken which comes first for him.

He said though commemorating fallen heroes was not a joyous occasion, he would defend the country’s territorial integrity in any weather.

“It strengthens even those who are still serving that upon their deaths they will be remembered as the fallen heroes who defended their country,” Sergeant Bokang Rakudu of 221 Infantry Battalion said.

Sergeant Rakudu said the call to serve one’s country in the military was a commitment to render one’s all.

He said defending Botswana territory was challenging because one put their life on the line.

Sergeant Rakudu said remembering fallen heroes was an important occasion where men and women who served the nation selflessly were remembered for their bravery.

At the same event, former vice president Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe described fallen heroes commemoration as a big and significant day on the Botswana calendar.

He said people who had served the country to the extent of dying in the line of duty deserved to be remembered in a manner befitting their stature.

“It is heart-warming to remember these heroes who are committed to a duty that many people deem to be dangerous… that when you join you are putting your life at risk of death,” said Dr Kedikilwe.

He said it the day was an appreciation, recognition and encouragement to the country’s servicemen and women so that they could discharge their duties with utmost discipline.

Dr Kedikilwe called on government and Batswana in general to support the military in its endeavour to keep the country safe, peaceful and harmonious.

Commemoration of fallen heroes’ day began on February 27, 2011 geared primarily towards remembering the Lesoma 15 killed in an ambush on the day 33 years earlier by the Rhodesian regime.

A decision was later taken to recognise other fallen heroes and heroines. Ends