By Salim Yunusa
Today being 15th January is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day; a day which Nigerians celebrate and remember the sacrifices of past and present heroes in keeping the peace and unity of Nigeria.
This year is no different. President Muhammadu Buhari and several state Governors participated in this year’s event. Laying of wreaths, releasing of pigeons and live parades were all part of the celebrations.
On social media, Nigerians are also celebrating and encouraging soldiers with #ThankASoldier hashtag trending since morning on Twitter and Facebook.
Some of the tweets include that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who tweeted “For all that they had done and continue to do in defence of our lives and territorial integrity, on this #ArmedForcesRemembranceDay, we have every reason to #ThankASoldier. May the souls of our fallen heroes continue to rest in peace.”
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki also tweeted “Today, we remember the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform — and the families that they leave behind to serve and protect our nation.
We thank you all for your service — and pray that Almighty Allah will continue to guide and protect you.”
It has been a day filled with historical recollections, sober reflections and showing love to lost ones on uniform, especially Late Col Abu Ali, Captain MM Hassan and Tolulope Arotile many more.
Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello and many more that lost their lives in the 1966 coup were remembered.
“Pigeons” also trended on social media as a video where the pigeons President Muhammadu Buhari released to signify peace refused to fly went viral, generating a lot of comments
