By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Nov. 06, GNA – The Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) has called for stronger public support for military veterans, particularly the sick, aged and those affected by war, while urging the nation to preserve the memory of fallen soldiers.
FCPO 1 Solomon Bediako, Volta Regional Administrative Officer of the Association, said VAG was exploring ways to mobilise funds to improve the welfare of veterans and provide assistance to those in need.
He said the ongoing Poppy Appeal remained an important fundraising initiative aimed at helping the Association fulfil its welfare obligations to veterans.
Mr Bediako explained that the objectives of the Association included promoting unity and comradeship among military veterans, fostering mutual support and preserving records of their service and contributions to the nation.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) ahead of Remembrance Day, he said particular attention should be given to honouring veterans who died in service through befitting funerals, annual memorial activities and the preservation of their contributions to national history.
He said the significance of Remembrance Day parades extended beyond ceremonial displays, noting that they were organised to honour fallen soldiers and recognise the sacrifices of veterans across the world.
“The essence of parade is to honour those in whose memory that parade is being organised,” he said, adding that Ghana, as part of the international community, joined other nations to celebrate the heroism and sacrifices of military veterans.
Mr Bediako said the nation also had a responsibility to recognise veterans who had been injured or incapacitated through war, as well as those who continued to live with the consequences of their service.
He said honouring the fallen and supporting surviving veterans would demonstrate that their sacrifices had not been forgotten.
Mr Bediako stressed the importance of preserving the history of military service, warning that a nation which failed to honour its heroes risked losing an important part of its identity.
“A nation that has not honoured its heroes is not worth dying for,” he said, endorsing the call for national recognition of veterans.
He said volunteering for national service was a significant contribution to peace and development, adding that, “without voluntarism, there wouldn’t be peace.”
Mr Bediako therefore urged the public to support the Poppy Appeal and other VAG initiatives to ensure that veterans received the recognition, care and assistance they deserved.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Frank Kwame Abbor