February 16, 2018 By Regina Pratt
Soldiers during one of their armed forces week celebrations
Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces(RSLAF) will on Saturday 17th to 25th February, 2018, celebrate their 9th Armed Forces Week with a march past of all ranks within the main streets of Freetown.
The armed Forces week celebrations is in recognition of the victories achieved in all operations as a departure from the traditional Myohaung celebrations on January 24 every year, according to the citation for the Armed Forces week celebrations.
The citation further stated that the Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 18th February every year, since it was on that day that late President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan kabba officially declared the war over in Sierra Leone.
On Saturday, February 17, the entire membership of the RSLAF will march from Brima Attouga mini stadium to the Forecourt of the Law Court Building, Siaka Stevens street, where President Koroma, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will take the Salute.
The troops will then leave for the Siaka Stevens stadium where they will be addressed by Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Brima Sesay.
Sunday February 18, which is the official Armed Forces day, will be observed at the Hockey Pitch, Wilberforce, with President Koroma performing his last official Armed Forces Day celebration.
He will address the men and women of the RSLAF, after a ceremonial parade, beating of the retreat and presenting of awards to deserving soldiers of RSLAF.
There will be an Inter-religious thanksgiving service and Pilgrimage to the War graves, Regent Road, Lumley on Sunday February 18, 2018, where wreaths will be laid and lighting of lamp at the War graves.
This celebration will be held in two provincial Brigade Headquarters of Bo and Makeni and it is declared a public holiday throughout the country.