As Sierra Leone commences its first-ever National Remembrance Week, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has set the tone by leading a symbolic White Ribbon pin-up ceremony at State House.
The brief but solemn ceremony took place on Wednesday morning, during which the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Madam Hawa Samai, pinned a white ribbon on President Bio, officially launching the National Remembrance Week. The white ribbon stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, peace, and national reflection, honoring the memory of all those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
National Remembrance Day will be observed on January 18, while commemorative events and public programs have already commenced and will continue through January 21, allowing citizens across the country several days of reflection, dialogue, and remembrance.
The Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Chief Minister, and all Cabinet Ministers also received white ribbons, underscoring the collective commitment of the nation’s leadership to remembrance, unity, and healing.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, highlighted the central role of unity, peace, and collective memory in national development. He called on all citizens to wear the white ribbon as a visible expression of solidarity and to actively participate in reflection and commemorative activities throughout the week.
“Today, as we pin this white ribbon, we remember our past, honour the sacrifices made, and reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Sierra Leone. Let this symbol remind us of our shared duty to uphold the values of peace and national cohesion,” Minister Bah stated.
The President, Vice President, Chief Minister, and Cabinet Ministers used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s dedication to fostering a culture of remembrance, national healing, and reconciliation.
Across the country, the white ribbon has been widely embraced. On Wednesday alone, schoolchildren, members of the armed forces, police officers, drivers, and thousands of citizens were seen wearing the symbol in observance of the week. As part of the nationwide commemorations, local authorities, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations have scheduled a series of memorial and reflection events in communities across Sierra Leone.
In addition, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education will collaborate with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists to host a special event recognizing the critical role journalists played during the civil war, honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty and acknowledging the resilience of survivors.
