* It is inscribed with names of those that fought and died in the two world wars standing as a symbol of sacrifice, brevity and sacrifice for the fallen heroes
* The Remembrance Day also provided opportunity to remember those that died in other wars and peace keeping missions in Africa and other countries worldwide
By Evance Chisiano, MANA
Erected on January 15, 1924, Zomba War Memorial Tower has stood for 100 years as a pillar of remembrance to fallen heroes of World Wars I and II of 1914 and 1918 respectively.
It is inscribed with names of those that fought and died in the two world wars and at the commemoration of the Poppy Day yesterday — led by President Lazarus Chakwera — Malawi Defence Force (MDF) public information officer, Major Kelvin Mlelemba said the War Memorial Tower has stood “as a symbol of sacrifice, brevity and sacrifice for the fallen heroes”.
Apart from remembering fallen heroes of two world wars, the day also provided opportunity to remember those that died in other wars and peace keeping missions in Africa and other countries worldwide.
The war remembrance day, also held in the Centre and the North, was marked by sounding of maroons and two minutes of silence in honour of the fallen heroes.
Chakwera, who is Commander in Chief of the MDF, led the nation in laying a wreath at the tower followed by Army Commander, Valentino Phiri; Deputy Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service-responsible for Administration, Happy Mkandawire; Tanzanian Ambassador to Malawi, Agnes Kayola; representatives of Malawi Red Cross and St, John’s Ambulance, among other government officials.
Minister of Youth & Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire represented the President at Area 18 War Memorial Tower in Lilongwe and following him to lay wreaths were representatives of MDF and Inspector General of Police; British High Commissioner, Fiona Ritchie; Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Oya Yoichi; Germany ambassador, Ute Konig, among other dignitaries.
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In Mzuzu, it was presided over by Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale at Mzuzu Cenotaph and was joined by MDF’s Brigadier General Swithan Mchungula of Malawi Marine Forces and Commissioner Dennis Chipawo of Malawi Police Service; City Mayor Councillor Kondwani Brian Nyasulu; Member of Parliament for Rumphi West, Yona Mkandawire — who represented Speaker of the National Assembly; Justice Kishindo representing the judiciary, among others.
During the ceremony, members of the clergy from different faith groups shared prayers of hope and comfort for the survivors of the wars and conflicts and for protection upon militants still in service.—Reporting from Lilongwe and Mzuzu by Sheminah Nkhoma & Rose Cross Mahorya, MANA
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