HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE ARMED FORCES HONOURS THE ARMED FORCES DURING CEREMONIAL DAY PARADE AT HOCKEY PITCH WILBERFORCE BARRACKS..........
HE the President and C-In-C of the RSLAF inspecting the 2023 Armed Forces Ceremonial Parade
On Wednesday 22nd February 2023, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces organized a Ceremonial/Military Parade as part of their Armed Forces Week Celebrations at Hockey Pitch Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown. This year’s Armed Forces Celebration marked another historical journey for the RSLAF, their determination and commitment to secure the nation and defend the territorial integrity of the country, “Building a Professional RSLAF for the New Security Environment” as the theme for 2023 Armed Forces Week Celebrations. The 14th Annual Armed Forces Week Celebrations was geared towards recognising and honouring serving personnel of the Armed Forces, both the living and the dead for their selfless services and sacrifices to the nation.
In his Keynote Address as the Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency the President and Commander-in-chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio commended members of the Armed Forces for their tireless efforts in making sure that, the peace and security of the country is always assured as well as building hope in the military. “I lead a grateful nation to honour and to say ‘thank you’ to all our fallen heroes and heroines. In several theatres of war and peace-making, through the two World Wars and in peace support operations around the world and in Liberia, you have consistently displayed your gallantry and bravery. We salute your supreme sacrifice and your service,” He stressed.
Armed Forces Band displaying during the Colour Party during the National Athem
Armed Forces Day Ceremonial Parade
Similarly, His Excellency the President and Command-in-Chief of the RSLAF commended the People’s Republic of China for their unconditional support to his Government of Sierra Leone’s vision for transforming the RSLAF. Also, other global and sub-regional partners were recognised for their full support to the GoSL in a bid to modernize and restructure the Armed Forces. He mentioned the infrastructural development that the GoSL had undertaken such as the construction of the State of Art Officer’s Mess, with a 104 bedroom accommodation for Single Officers, ultra-modern Warrant Officers’ and Sergeant’s Mess, all at Wilberforce Barracks, Six additional accommodation blocks for Junior Officers at Spur Loop etc.
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Drum Major AFB displaying during the Colour Party on the Match
AFD Ceremonial Parade
At Kingtom, the GoSL has completed the construction of a Military Guest House- known as Boom Defence, completed the Gondama Barracks phase 2 Accommodation project and also finished the construction of modern accommodation for a minimum of about 360 personnel at Six Forward Patrol Bases at Yumkella, Yenga, Sulima, Sinkunia, Sanya and Bomaru. There have been additional construction projects undertaken by the GoSL right across the Force.
His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief registered his gratitude to Madam First Lady of Sierra Leone, Mrs Fatima Bio for her relentless effort and determination in transforming the 34 Military Hospital to modern hospital. This includes the upgrading and expansion of the facilities with 500 beds hospital exclusively for paediatric cases, for males, and for females; a fully equipped Defence Nursing School for training healthcare personnel that offers diploma level in nursing courses; a Centre of Excellence for supporting survivors of gender violence and a fully-equipped modern diagnostic centre with a digital X-ray machine and CT scanner. The President concluded by saying “We salute their bravery, patriotism, sacrifices and we owe each of you a debt of everlasting gratitude.
Naval Guard doing the Anchor Formation Air Wing doing the Bird Formation
The Armed Forces Ceremonial Parade consist of the Army, all females, Navy and Air Wing guards, whilst the Armed Forces Band and the Armed Forces Physical Training Wing displayed various activities as part of the entertainment during the ceremonial parade. It was a well-attended ceremony by dignitaries both national and internal especially Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone, Madam First Lady, Ministers of Government, Honourable Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, the Senior Management of the MoD/RSLAF, Heads of other Security Sectors, Senior Officers (Serving and Retired).
Acrobatic Displayed by Armed Force Physical Training Wing Personnel
Obstacle Crossing by Armed Forces Physical Training Wing Personnel
Credit:
Directorate of Public Relations and Information
Ministry of Defence
Tower hill
Freetown
