The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday clarified January 15 of every year as Nigerian Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
This clarification was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba.
According to Defense Headquarters the name, which was previously known as “Armed Forces Remembrance Day”, was officially changed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.
The statement explained that, “January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of its citizens.
“Previously known as ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day’, the name was officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.
“The day is preceded by a week of various activities, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on 15 January.
The DHQ therefore urged the media to henceforth adopt “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day” in all future coverage.
It appreciated the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, and “looks forward to even stronger collaboration ahead.”