RSLAF Honours Fallen Heroes/Heroines on Annual Remembrance Day

Held on November 9, the annual commemoration brought together government officials, diplomats, service chiefs, and citizens to remember fallen heroes and heroines from World Wars I and II, the Sierra Leone Civil War, the fight against Ebola, and the November 26 attempted coup.

The day also recognized the ongoing dedication of the military in safeguarding peace, stability, and national development.

This year’s theme, “For a Better Future, Remember Yesterday, Act Today,” reflected a call for collective reflection and national unity rooted in gratitude and responsibility.

The commemoration commenced with the Planting of Crosses and Crescents Ceremony on Friday, 7th November 2025, at the Taylor Cummings Garden in Freetown, symbolizing unity among faiths and respect for all who have served.

Distinguished dignitaries, including the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chair of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Defence, and representatives from foreign missions took part in the planting of crosses and crescents at the Taylor Cummings Garden in Freetown.

Also participating were senior military officials, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and leaders of the Armed Forces Wives Cooperative Society and SLESA, each placing a cross or crescent in remembrance of the nation’s heroes.

The event continued with a Remembrance Day Service on Sunday, 9th November 2025, at the Cenotaph, Ministerial Building, George Street, Freetown, featuring soulful renditions by the SLP and SLCS Regimental Band.

Both Islamic and Christian prayers were offered for fallen heroes and heroines, the nation’s leadership, and the continued strength of Sierra Leone’s security forces. Hymns and supplications echoed through the air as attendees stood in solemn reflection.

The climax of the commemoration was the wreath-laying ceremony, where national and international dignitaries paid their final respects. Those who laid wreaths included:

• The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh
• The First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio
• The Chief Minister, Dr. David Monina Sengeh
• The Chief Justice
• The Minister of Defence
• The Minister of Internal Affairs
• The Attorney General and Minister of Justice
• The Chairman of the Defence Oversight Committee in Parliament, Hon. Alex Mattia Rogers
• Ambassadors and High Commissioners from countries such as China, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Ireland, Nigeria, and others
• Representatives from the European Union (EU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations
• Faith leaders from the Inter-Religious Council, Muslim Congress Fellowships, and Christian denominations
• Heads of the ONS, Police, Correctional Service, Fire Force, Bar Association, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt salute from the Parade Commander and Contingent Leaders representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Fire Force, Correctional Service, Red Cross Society, Scouts, Girls’ Guide, Boys’ Brigade, and SLESA.

The day ended with expressions of gratitude and unity as wreaths blanketed the memorial ground — a powerful reminder of the cost of peace and the courage of those who defend it.

The Vice President, the First Lady, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, the Chair of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Defence, and other top dignitaries led the nation in a final moment of interaction with members of the Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA).