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Nov. 16, 2020

STAFF REPORTER

2 min read

Lesotho commemorates Armistice Day

Lesotho commemorates Armistice Day

His Majesty King Letsie III during last year's celebration of the World Armistice Day

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HIS Majesty King Letsie III led the laying of wreaths at the Makoanyane Square in Maseru on Sunday as Lesotho joined the rest of the world to pay homage to soldiers who died in the two world wars.

The event in Maseru was also held to honour surviving veteran Basotho soldiers who fought in the two wars under the Union Jack.

A total of 21 463 Basotho soldiers fought in the two great wars and 1 105 of them died.

There are currently 25 surviving veterans of the two global wars in Lesotho and three of them attended this year’s episode of the historic event.

The occasion commenced with a moment of silence in respect of those who died in the conflicts.

The service included the sounding of guns, the laying of wreaths, two minutes of silence and prayers in remembrance of the fallen heroes.

As part of the celebration, the King inspected the guard of honour of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

Some of the dignitaries who attended the prestigious event included the Prime Minister, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the army commander, the police chief, representatives of the ex-soldiers and Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Lesotho who included among others, South African High Commissioner, Chinese Ambassador, United States of America Ambassador, the European Union Ambassador, United Nations Resident and the United Kingdom Ambassador.
On behalf of the living veterans, Private Seabata Masienyane said they fought in the wars because Lesotho was at the time a protectorate of the Great Britain protectorate.

Private Masienyane, 90, thanked the government for continuing to recognise their contribution towards the global peace.  

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Lesotho commemorates Armistice Day

World War I veterans celebrating a previous World Armistice Day

The First World War originated in Europe and lasted from July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918.

It led to the mobilisation of more than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, making it one of the largest wars in history.

The Second World War which last from 1939 to 1945 included all the world great powers – forming two opposing military alliances – the Allies and the Axis.


 

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