Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led high-ranking government officials and military brass in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade on Thursday to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
The annual event, which serves as a national tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes, was conducted with full military honours under the coordination of the Commander, Guards Brigade. In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and senior members of the Federal Executive Council.
Rites of RemembranceThe ceremony followed a strict military protocol designed to honour the courage and sacrifice of personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The proceedings included:The Last Post: A bugle call signaling the end of the day’s labors and the start of the heroes’ eternal rest.Minute of Silence: A period of national reflection for fallen personnel of the Armed Forces and security services.Wreath-Laying: Led by the Vice President, followed by heads of the military and police, as a physical gesture of respect at the cenotaph.Ceremonial Volleys: Three volleys fired by the firing party, punctuated by artillery gun salutes.The sequence concluded with the sounding of the Reveille, symbolizing hope and the continued life of the nation.Symbols of Peace and HistoryFollowing the parade, the Vice President and other dignitaries signed the AFCRD Anniversary Register, formally documenting the 2026 tribute in the national archives.In a traditional concluding gesture, a flock of white pigeons was released into the sky. Officials noted that this act serves as a symbolic prayer for national unity, stability, and the enduring peace for which the fallen heroes fought.The 2026 AFCRD reinforces the federal government’s commitment to supporting the families of the deceased and maintaining the welfare of serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
