His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially launched the National Poppy Week celebration at State House, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Sierra Leone’s servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving peace and stability at home and abroad.
In his keynote address, President Bio underscored the significance of Poppy Week, which commemorates those who served and died in the First and Second World Wars from 1914–1918 and 1939–1945, as well as 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. The Poppy Day is observed in remembrance of those who lost their lives, including those who returned home with physical and emotional scars. Their courage reminds us of the cost of peace,” President Bio said.
The event was attended by members 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 profound appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the country’s security forces, describing them as “an epitome of selflessness and love for country.”
“Our men and women in uniform who sacrificed their lives deserve our deepest honour and remembrance. I also wish to acknowledge the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League in the United Kingdom for their continued support to the Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen Association,” he stated.
He encouraged members of SLESA to remain united and peaceful as they observe this year’s Poppy Week and commended the National Remembrance Day Planning Committee for its efforts in ensuring a meaningful and peaceful commemoration.
SLESA’s National President, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Abu Bakarr S. Kamara, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to honouring the memory of those who fought in the World Wars, noting that Sierra Leone continues to join the Commonwealth family each year in remembrance.
“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 parts of the world,” Lt. Col. Kamara said.
The ceremony climaxed with the 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 launch of Poppy Week 2025.
