Public Agenda (Accra)
Alberta Dudome
13 November 2009
Accra — The Ranking Member of the Committee of Defence and Interior, Hon William Boafo, has reminded security personnel who go on peacekeeping to always bear in mind that they have a crucial role in the maintenance of internal peace of the country.
Hon Boafo said this while contributing to a statement in Parliament commemorating the Remembrance Day, which is celebrated on November 11 every year to remember those who sacrificed their lives in World Wars I and II.
He said the welfare of war veterans who are alive should not be the responsibility of Government alone, civil societies and benevolent organizations should assist. He said with this approach the morals of these gallant soldiers who risked their lives for the whole world would be boosted. He added that the families of the soldiers who lost their lives must not be neglected, but also be taken care of, and that the heroic stories of our past must always be told to the new generation.
Hon Fritz Baffour, the Member of Parliament for Abelekuma South, also added his voice to the call. He said these veterans played very significant roles in the attainment of the country's independence. He observed that the war tested the military prowess of soldiers who later came to the realization that they were not inferior to the whites regarding war tactics.
The MP for Nkoranza North, Hon. Major Derek Oduro (rtd), noted that "a country that does not honor its heroes is not worth dying for". He related some of the terrible experiences these soldiers go through on the battlefield, with some ending with disabilities. He thus called on government to see to the welfare needs of these veterans.
Besides using it to remember those who lost their lives in the First and Second Wars, the Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is celebrated in many countries to to remember those who lost their lives in subsequent conflicts around the world including those who were deployed on peace keeping duties.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of 11th month a siren is sounded for two minutes during which total silence is observed while all movements cease; an atmosphere of perfect silence is thus created so that every victim could be remembered.
Remembrance Day also underscores the paramount need not only to stop wars, but also to pursue the idea of peace at all costs and at all times as the only condition for the survival of the human race.
In another development, the Appointments Committee of Parliament vetted Dr Benjamin Kunbour and Hon. Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, ministers designate for Ministry of Health and the Minister of State at the Presidency respectively. Both nominees handled their questions with ease.
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