30 Mar 2023

Selebi Phikwe based Eastern Military Garrison joined the nation in remembering uniformed and non-uniformed members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) as well as other citizens who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The flags were flown at half-mast as the garrison led by the Eastern Military Garrison Commander, Lt Col Ntungamili Gobagoba together with the community of Selebi Phikwe laid a wreath, which was followed by three-gun salute.

Lt Col Gobagoba said in an interview after the event that the event was held in recognition of the selflessness of the fallen heroes, which they showed by putting the country before self.

He said it was important for the nation to constantly remind itself that these departed heroes and heroines surrendered their lives in pursuit of national ideals and interests.

He said the event of flying flags at half-mast was carried out early in the morning of March 30 in all the BDF camps to signify honour of the highest degree and to recognise selflessness and patriotism.

He explained that the commemoration was not only for the BDF, but was aimed at remembering and paying respect to the general members of the society, uniformed and non-uniformed, who died in the line of duty.

Lt Col Gobagoba also explained that the day was marked by the sounding of the reveille, which was usually played to notify personnel that it was time to wake up, followed by raising the flags to full mast.

“It is also a motivator to those in service to serve diligently,” he said.

Meanwhile in Francistown, acting commander, 2^nd Brigade Group, Colonel Moakanyi Phitshana said in an interview that the event was first held at Lesoma to commemorate members whose names were scribed at the National Assembly monument, but it had since been extended to recognise members who lost their lives during anti-poaching and peace-keeping operations as well as other circumstances in their service to the nation.

“We are here to keep their memories alive, to remember them and honour them,” he said, adding that the day was successful and graced by retired BDF members.

Col Phitshana said although BDF was formed from almost nothing compared to some defence forces in Southern African, who inherited resources from colonial masters, it continued to do well in defence duties.

BDF, he said, started with a limited number, but because of efforts and hard work of the founding members, it evolved into what it is today; a professional force.

For his part, retired Col Anderson Moalosi said, “We gathered to remember them and pray for their souls to rest in eternal peace.” He added that they also came to encourage and motivated those still in service to always do their best. He praised Botswana for being a peaceful country that had never went to war. Ends