The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC), in collaboration with security agencies, has marked the 80th Remembrance Day with a solemn parade at Jackson Park at Koforidua to honour gallant fallen heroes.
Observed annually on November 11, the event pays tribute to fallen members of the armed forces whose sacrifices date back to the signing of the World War I armistice in 1918, marking the end of the Great War.
Representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and others participated in the troops march.
The parade highlighted the contributions of the security services and underscored the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Activities included the sounding of the “last post,” a two-minute silence, the sounding of “reveille,” and wreath laying.
Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, laid a wreath on behalf of the President John Dramani Mahama and Republic of Ghana, while Lieutenant Colonel Frank Adams of the First Infantry Battalion laid one on behalf of the security agencies.
Ex-Warrant Officer One George Mensah, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana laid a wreath on behalf of the veterans, while Okyeame Owusu Baafi, representing the Paramount Chief of New Juaben Traditional Area laid one on behalf of the Chiefs and people of the Eastern Region.
On November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour, the Allies signed an armistice with Germany, ending the First World War.
The war’s causes included the rise of the German Empire, the decline of the Ottoman Empire, imperial rivalries, and an arms race among the great powers.
Tensions in the Balkans escalated on June 28, 1914, when Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and declared war on July 28, 1914.
Combat extended beyond the Western Front to Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, marking a global expansion of warfare.
GNA
