Freetown, October 21, 2025 — His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio officially launched Sierra Leone’s National Poppy Week on Tuesday at State House with a ceremony commemorating the country’s servicemen and women’s courage and sacrifice.
The annual remembrance honours those who served and died in World Wars I and II, as well as those who lost their lives or returned scarred from Sierra Leone’s eleven-year civil war.
President Bio emphasised the ongoing significance of Poppy Week as a national moment of reflection during his keynote address. We noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and that the red poppy represents both remembrance and the high cost of achieving peace. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.” Poppy Day commemorates those who died, as well as those who returned home with physical and emotional scars. “Their courage reminds us of the price of peace,” he said.
The State House gathering brought together representatives from Sierra Leone’s security and uniformed services, including the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police, the National Fire Force, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, and the Sierra Leone Scouts Association. Members of the Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen Association (SLESA) attended the launch, along with government officials and veterans.
President Bio used the occasion to express his heartfelt appreciation for the security forces’ service and sacrifices, describing them as “an epitome of selflessness and love for country.”
He singled out former service members for special recognition and acknowledged the international assistance that helps veterans’ welfare. He singled out ex-servicemen for special recognition and acknowledged the overseas assistance that contributes to veterans’ welfare. I also want to thank the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League in the United Kingdom for their ongoing support of the Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen Association,” he said. Nal Remembrance Day Planning Committee for putting together a meaningful programme.
He stated that the committee’s work helps to ensure that commemorations properly honour those who gave their lives for national and international peace.
SLESA’s National President, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Abu Bakarr S. Kamara reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to preserving the memory of wartime service in Sierra Leone and throughout the Commonwealth. He emphasised Sierra Leonean troops’ ongoing role in international peacekeeping efforts, praising those who have served in ECOMOG missions and UN peacekeeping deployments, including recent contingents operating in Sudan and other hotspots.
The launch ceremony concluded with a symbolic gesture when SLESA’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. (Rtd.) Clarence Augustine Mac-Sesay presented President Bio with a red poppy, officially kicking off Poppy Week 2025 and signalling a week of remembrance and honour for the nation’s men and women in uniform.
