Ghana Armed Forces launch Remembrance Day activities

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - The Ghana Armed Forces in collaboration with the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), on Thursday launched activities to commence the commemoration of the 2010 Remembrance Day, on Thursday in Accra.

The activities launched at a methodical Commemorative Military Concert, attended by senior serving Officers and Retired Commissioned Officers, was to reinforce the essence of November 11th 1918. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the signing of the Armistice, on 11th November 1918, to signal the end of World War One.

At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Chief of Naval Staff, Real Admiral Mathew Quarshie launched 2010 Poppy promotion on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General P. A. Blay.

Real Admiral Quarshie called on Ministers of State, journalists, politicians, Members of Parliament and the general public to patronize and wear Poppy in November.

He explained that red Poppy is worn in November in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for humankind during wars. Real Admiral Quarshie said the Day was a special event set aside to remember all men and women who were killed during the first World War and second World War and other conflicts.

He revealed that the Military High Command had entered into joint venture partnership with private business entities to develop VAG lands towards the mobilization of funds for the veterans. Real Admiral Quarshie called for the sensitization of the public on the role of veterans, Military as it appeared most people were losing sight of the contribution of the Military in safeguarding the state. He personally donated 1,000.00 Ghana Cedis, and on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Navy, and Ghana Air force donated 500.00 Ghana cedis each to VAG funds.

The Armed Forces Central Band set the tone for the evening entertainment with military format by playing the Bugle Calls - Regimental Call, Fatigue Call, Officers' Call, Company Sergeant Major Call and the Dismiss Call.

The calls was followed by the Drum Solo by six officers, who exhibited their mastery on the drums, playing different tunes, the Central Band then moved the audience into ecstasy as they played Bridge On River Kwai a military march piece. Other performances were Caribbean Cornet, a pop music derived from African music with a unique style, Gallant Soldiers and Lapaloma a love song, Standard of Saint George and Halleluyah Chorus. 15 Oct. 10 Attention recipients, item 01 ends first cast.