President Hichilema leads remembrance day commemorations
Breaking News Zambia
Local NewsPresident Hakainde Hichilema has led war veterans, service chiefs and Diplomats accredited to Zambia in commemorating Remembrance Day at the National Cenotaph in Lusaka. President Hichilema laid wreaths in remembrance of Zambian, Commonwealth and foreign soldiers who died in…
President Hakainde Hichilema has led war veterans, service chiefs and Diplomats accredited to Zambia in commemorating Remembrance Day at the National Cenotaph in Lusaka.
President Hichilema laid wreaths in remembrance of Zambian, Commonwealth and foreign soldiers who died in various wars.
He was joined by Cabinet Ministers, Lusaka Mayor Chitambala Mwewa, senior Government officials, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps and several war veterans.
The solemn ceremony honoured men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation and to peace.
Delivering the homily, Zambia Army Director General for Religious and Moral Services Branch, Brigadier General Reverend Shadreck Mwale, said those being remembered left behind families, children, dreams and unfinished stories so that others could enjoy peace.
He challenged those present to reflect on whether the fallen heroes would be proud if they returned and examined the nation today.
Brig. Gen. Mwale said the world is changing, with technology, security threats and society itself evolving, but certain values must never change, integrity, discipline, patriotism, compassion and responsibility.
He quoted John 15:13, greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
“Those we remember today did not give because they expected to gain, they gave because there was something greater to protect,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Mwale said service is not merely wearing a uniform, occupying an office or enjoying privileges, but accepting responsibility for the lives and welfare of others.
“Whether a soldier, police officer, public servant, teacher, parent or national leader, everyone has a responsibility to make somebody else’s life better,” he said.
“The true measure of service is not how much we have gained from our positions, but our contribution to humanity while in our positions,” he said.
The Zambia Army Director General for Religious and Moral Services Branch further urged Zambians to change their methods but never compromise their values, and to embrace technology, innovation and new ways of serving.
He added that technology can make people efficient and training can make them competent, but neither can automatically make them honest and compassionate.
“A uniform may command attention, authority may command obedience, but integrity earns trust and character earns respect,” Brig Gen Mwale said.
He warned against becoming so powerful that leaders forget the humanity of those they serve, and urged citizens to live a life worth remembering.
He said one day ranks will be handed over, offices occupied by others and uniforms worn by another generation, and the question will be what remains.
“Will people remember us for positions we occupied or for the lives we touched?” he asked.
Brig. Gen. Mwale encouraged those still serving not to allow disappointment to destroy their commitment, temptation to corrupt their character, or to forget why they began serving.
He said the next generation is watching, and that while Zambians remember yesterday’s heroes today, they must also ask what kind of heroes they are becoming today.
He concluded by praying that those who sacrificed their lives may never be forgotten, that their families may find comfort, and that those who serve today may be strengthened with courage, wisdom and integrity.
Community Feedback