Nigeria remembers fallen heroes
Nigerians, on Sunday, marked the 2012 Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honour soldiers who died in active service in the defence of Nigeria's interests.
President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, led leaders of the National Assembly, the judiciary and the military to mark the event.
The annual ceremony, held at the National Cenotaph, Abuja, began with the inspection of a military parade by the president and the presentation of regimental colours of the armed forces.
Prayers were thereafter offered by Christians and Islamic clerics for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes as well as for peace, security and unity of the nation.
Later, the president led the laying of wreath, followed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.
They were followed by other dignitaries that were present at the occasion.
The ceremony was rounded off with three gun salutes and the release of pigeons to symbolise freedom, unity, peace and harmony of the country.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated globally every December 11, but in Nigeria it is marked on January 15 because of the significance of the day in the nation's history, especially the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970.
NAN/Williams
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