By Alagie Manneh
Members of the Ecowas mission in the Gambia Ecomig yesterday celebrated the 58th independence anniversary of a member country, Senegal.
Held at the Ecomig headquarters in Fajara, Bakau, the colorful event was attended by dignitaries including the head of Ecomig and was characterized by a military parade.
Addressing the occasion, the Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia Saliou Ndiaye said the event symbolises both a “national holiday and “perfect time to pay tribute and thank our armed forces.”
The diplomat paid tribute to the “fallen soldiers” of Senegal and their families and paid further respect to the “veterans, who represent an inexhaustible source of honor and courage for generations to come.”
He said: “To all, the nation will be eternally grateful to them. To this emotion, is added respect, because you have chosen to exercise one of the finest crafts, the profession of arms. It gives you the opportunity to serve the Fatherland with selflessness and a sense of sacrifice, and, it is sometimes forgotten, that it is thanks to the sacrifices of our valiant soldiers that we can live in freedom.
“Finally, I congratulate the components of the Armed Forces, and beyond your units, all the defense and security forces of our country, who take turns to contribute, with the national police and the gendarmerie, to the security of all, to peace in our country and in the sub-region.
“I testify to them, in the name of the Head of State, the satisfaction of the whole nation, while encouraging them to cultivate the spirit of discipline, cohesion, solidarity and fraternity of arms that has always characterised them.”
The Ambassador also took time to express hope that the Mission of the Ecomig in Gambia will be completed.
“You will accomplish it,” he said, “I am sure, with the full force of your patriotic commitment.”
