Memories of Valiant War Heroes Venerated on National War Heroes’ Day

COLOMBO (News 1st); The undying memories of unfailing valour and gallantry of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Security Department War Heroes who laid their lives in defence of the Motherland were recalled and venerated on National War Heroes’ Day (19) at the National War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla, Sri Jayawardenepura, amidst fluttering National Flags and Military Ceremonials. After declaring May as the commemorative month for War Heroes, the Ministry of Defence has been annually commemorating the event island-wide, although prevailing health restrictions this year restricted its full commemoration.

During this dignified and solemn ceremony, heroic War Heroes of the Army (23,962), Navy (1160), Air Force (443), together with 2598 Policemen and 456 Civil Security Department personnel, altogether a total of 28,619 who had made the supreme sacrifice in the fight against LTTE terrorism before May 2009 were respectfully remembered for their gallantry, invaluable sacrifices and selfless dedication during this national ceremony, adorned with recital of the National anthem, Two-minute silence in honour of their memory, Reading of the citation for bravery, Religious observances, Playing of ‘Rana Bera’, Vigil mounting, President’s address, Aerial drop of flowers on the Monument, etc.

The President, Hon Prime Minister, Hon Speaker, Governor, Secretaries, Tri Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police & others in succession, joined the representative gathering of next of kin of all fallen ones to offer floral tributes to the Monument, seconds after aerial drop of flowers was carried out by Air Force helicopters.

At dusk, the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille in conformity with military traditions culminated the formal ceremony, a feature typical during military ceremonies.