Sierra Leone has held an Inter-faith Funeral Service in honour of the Fallen Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and Police Officers who lost their precious lives during the failed attempted coup staged on 26th November, 2023 in Freetown.
The 18 patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country’s democracy and peace, were yesterday honoured and laid to rest.
At the Forecourt of Cockerill Military Barracks on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said: “Fellow mourners, we gather here today, under the weight of immense grief, to honour our brave Military and Police Officers who lost their lives defending our democracy against the forces of darkness during the failed attempted coup of November 26th 2023.
“On that dark Sunday, cowardice struck at the heart of our nation, callousness tore at the fabric of our society, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law, human dignity, and sanctity of our Constitution was displayed. Today, we stand united in grief. We stand not just as mourners but as bearers of a sacred duty, a solemn responsibility, to honour our fallen comrades. These fallen heroes stood steadfast in the face of treachery. They paid the ultimate sacrifice by standing fearlessly against the forces of anarchy and tyranny that threatened to engulf The Land That We Love as it had done before.
“Each one of these gallant officers had pledged to defend our Constitution and nation. Their unwavering commitment to their duty, loyalty to our country, and steadfast courage in the face of danger will forever be etched in our hearts. They were not just our Military and Police Officers. They were guardians of our peace, defenders of our democracy and protectors of our freedom and embodiments of our unwavering spirit. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will forever be written in the annals of our history. Their attackers, in their cowardly and selfish acts, sought not only to subvert our democracy but to shatter the trust of our people, the trust in our Military and Police Officers, and the trust in our nation”.
President Bio pledged that the death of the gallant forces and their continued service and loyalty to Sierra Leone will not be in vain.
“Let me be clear: As your Commander-In-Chief, I make a solemn pledge to you today that the death of your comrades and your continued service and loyalty to Sierra Leone will not be in vain. I assure you that everyone who has a hand in the cowardly act of November 26th that led to the death of these men will not escape the full weight of the law”.