27 Feb 2025

President Advocate Duma Boko and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces yesterday laid a wreath in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes and heroines at Parliament grounds.
President Boko was joined by the Botswana Defence Force officials, Speaker, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, Chief Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe, ministers,  and family members to those who lost their lives in line of duty.  
The commemoration of the Fallen Heroes Day began in February 27, 2011 as tribute to 15 Botswana Defence Force (BDF)  members who lost their lives in an ambush at Lesoma in the Chobe District on February 27, 1978 during an attack by Rhodesian soldiers. However a decision was taken to recognise other heroes and heroines who met their untimely death in the line of duty.
The day was commemorated simultaneously in Gaborone, Francistown, Selebi Phikwe, Thebephatswa Airbase and Lesoma Ambush Memorial Site.
Activities included flying of the flags at half-mast as an honour of the highest degree to recognise their selfless effort by men and women who put their country first.
There was also a moment of silence and three-gun valley salute, all these showing a gesture of respect. ENDS