By BS Conteh (SL 300): Col (RTD)
Many sovereign nation States including the US, UK, India, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana among others celebrate Annual Armed Forces Day in order to recognize and honour personnel (both living and late) of their respective Armed Forces for the selfless services and sacrifices.
Sierra Leone selected February 18th as its Armed Forces Day because it was on that Day, February 18 in 2002 that Sierra Leone President Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah officially declared the End of the Sierra Leone Civil War of 1991 to 2002.
The RSLAF had fought bravely in the 1st and 2nd World Wars as part of the Royal West African Frontier Force in India, Burma and the Cameroon.
This country used to celebrate in recognition of those victories achieved on the 24th January as Myohaung every year, but the country has now moved from that.
RSLAF also fought as part of the ECOMOG Force in Liberia in order to restore Law and Order in that sister State.
RSLAF also participated in Peacekeeping Operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 60s. RSLAF was also engaged in Peace Support Operations in East Timor, Syria and Lebanon.
Currently, RSLAF is engaged in Peace Support Operations in Sudan, Somalia, Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Bravo to our fallen heroes. Bravo to our wounded-in-action both of mental health and physical affliction. Bravo to also those who fought and stayed alive in good health and strength. Good things are always worth remembering.