Patriots of January the 15th
It was Mark Twain that said – “Patriotism Is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it”. There are a group of Nigerians that do both, at least since 1999, and their love and sacrifice for Nigeria is second to none. These are our men and women in uniform, members of the Nigerian armed forces.
January the 15th is a solemn date. A day set aside for remembrance, a day of recall of the great sacrifices made by the Nigerian armed forces for the Nigerian state and her peoples.
Respect or disrespect
Unfortunately, in the lexicon of disrespect for the Nigerian State, spawned often by those who obviously do not wish her well, is the distressing disregard for the men and women in uniform. Men and women who serve at the front lines, putting their lives on the line daily to keep us all safe.
These great men and women of the Nigerian armed forces are sadly underappreciated and not sufficiently recognized by the Nigerian people. Their job is critical – and while the rest of us can relatively stay away from trouble behind shut doors and gates, with the added luxuries of lamentations against the Nigerian state, these patriots run towards the trouble, readily put their lives on the line every day to ensure continue peace in the land.
Their families live in constant fear, and their children miss the loving embrace and presence of parents with every tour of duty. At night, the spouses lay, sick with worry, tossing and turning in bed, all night long and night after night.
The ultimate sacrifice, Nigerian armed forces
Too many, Known and unknown members of the Nigerian armed forces, have made the ultimate sacrifice. Given their lives so that citizens can live. Many others have been severely injured in the theatre of war and now live with physical and psychological disabilities.
But do we truly appreciate their sacrifices? The least we could do is to show appreciation every chance we get, support military families, and keep them in our prayers always.
Thank you for your service, gallant men.