The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria shall never surrender to the forces of adversity, nor shall they forget the sacrifices of their fallen heroes.
Musa said this at the 35th anniversary and inauguration ceremony of 41st Regular Course Memorial Park at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Tuesday at its headquarters in Kaduna.
He assured the families of fallen heroes that their loved ones who lost their lives in the course of service to the nation would never be forgotten by the armed forces.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the memorial park was built by the NDA’s 41st regular course members association, in memory of their course mates who died in active service.
Musa, represented by the NDA Commandant, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said fallen heroes were more than just soldiers, stressing that they were husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters.
“They were patriots who answered the call to serve, to protect, and to defend our nation’s sovereignty.
”We honour their memory today, and we reaffirm our commitment to never forget their sacrifices,”Musa said.
The CDS thanked the members of the 41 regular course for the magnificent project, adding that it serves as a testament to the bond that united them as comrades-in-arms.
“We shall continue to stand vigilant, united, and strong, defending our nation and upholding the values that our fallen heroes fought and died for,”he said.
Earlier, the President of the association, retired Maj. Lancelot Ayanya, said apart from legacy projects for their course mates who died in active service, the association has a support system for their widows.