When is Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria

– Armed Forces Remembrance Day –

The Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day reserved for sober reflections on the significance of the armed forces to the country.

Universally, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11 every year and it is known as the Armistice Day, remembering the end of the First World War and also end of the Nigerian Civil War following the surrender of the Biafran secessionists on January 15, 1970, the date was changed to mark the restoration of Nigeria’s unity.

This article is all about the Armed Forces Remembrance Day for Nigerians.

History

According to Wikipedia, in Nigeria, the Armed Forces Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is celebrated every January 15.

It was formerly celebrated on November 11 of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War 11 veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations.

It was changed to January 15 in Nigeria in commemoration of the surrender of Biafran troops to the federal troops on January 15, 1970, thus concluding the Nigerian Civil War that sought to tear apart the unity of Nigeria.

The Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organized to honor members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the first and second World Wars, and those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian civil war.

More Details

The Day is to celebrate both the dead and the living heroes including all those who suffered various deprivations becausebecause of wars.

The Day was initially marked on the eleventh of November every year to coincide with Remembrance Day popularly known as “Poppy Day” or “11 – 11” for the first and Second World War veterans in all commonwealth countries.

However, in Nigeria, in view of some significant historical developments, it is celebrated on the 15th of January every year.

From thence, it has become a national ritual when on every January 15 nationwide, military personnel including the Army, the Navy, the Air force and the Nigerian Legion converge in different centers across the nation to celebrate the day and give honor to the fallen and living heroes who hazarded and continue to hazard their lives for the territorial integrity of the nation and for peace to reign worldwide.

The event is held at the federal, state, and local levels were serving military officers live or where living ex-servicemen occupy.

Several events including the release of pigeons to symbolize peace, placing of wreaths, playing of the last post, Remembrance Day parade, the shooting of guns, and others characterize this memorable day.

The army officers are usually attired in diverse colors typical of their fields be it Navy, Air force, Army, and the ex-servicemen.

Besides parades, placing of wreaths, and releasing of pigeons, the event also witnesses religious services in both mosques and churches nationwide.

Significance

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration as an annual event organized to honor members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought for the nation, and those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide, as well as those who fought in the Nigerian civil war, is quite significant.

This is because the day is mapped out to celebrate both the dead and the living heroes, including all those who suffered various deprivations because of wars.

Annually, this national day celebrates military personnel including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Legion.

They all converge on different centers across the nation to celebrate the day and give honor to the fallen and living heroes who risked and continue to risk their lives for the territorial integrity of the nation.

The event is held at the federal, state, and local levels were serving military officers reside or where living ex-servicemen occupy.

Symbolism

n commemorating the day, several military traditions are strictly adhered to. Whether marked at the federal, state or local level, some symbolism are sacrosanct and they include the release of pigeons to symbolize peace, placing of wreaths, playing of the last post, Remembrance Day parade, shooting of guns.

Besides the above listed, the event also witnesses religious services in both mosques and churches nationwide.

At the parades, the military personnel is usually kitted in diverse colors typical of their services be it navy, air force, army, or ex-servicemen.

In conclusion, Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day that has been set aside in Nigeria and will always be celebrated each year.

CSN Team.