By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope
On October 21, 2025, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially inaugurated the National Poppy Week celebration at State House, paying homage to the valor and sacrifices of Sierra Leone’s servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to maintaining peace and stability both domestically and internationally.
In his keynote address, President Bio emphasized the importance of Poppy Week, which commemorates those who served and perished in the First and Second World Wars, alongside those who made similar sacrifices during Sierra Leone’s eleven-year civil conflict. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Poppy Day is observed in memory of those who lost their lives, including those who returned home with both physical and emotional scars. Their courage serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of peace,” he stated.
The event was attended by representatives from various branches of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police, the National Fire Force, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the Sierra Leone Scouts Association, and the Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen Association (SLESA), among others.
President Bio expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by the nation’s security forces, describing them as “an epitome of selflessness and love for country.” He remarked, “Our men and women in uniform who sacrificed their lives deserve our utmost honor and remembrance.” He also acknowledged the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League in the United Kingdom for their ongoing support to SLESA.
The President urged members of SLESA to remain united and peaceful during this year’s Poppy Week and commended the National Remembrance Day Planning Committee for their efforts to ensure a meaningful commemoration.
Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Abu Bakarr S. Kamara, National President of SLESA, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to honoring the memory of those who fought in the World Wars. He noted Sierra Leone’s ongoing participation in the Commonwealth remembrance activities each year. “I want to commend the dedication of our troops who continue to contribute to global peace through their participation in ECOMOG missions and United Nations peacekeeping operations in Sudan and other regions,” Lt. Col. Kamara remarked.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic decoration of President Bio with the red poppy flower by SLESA’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. (Rtd.) Clarence Augustine Mac-Sesay, marking the official commencement of Poppy Week 2025.
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