By Cathy Maulidi:
President Lazarus Chakwera Friday celebrated men and women who served in the military for their contribution to the national security.
Chakwera made the remarks as he inaugurated Poppy Week that took place at Kamuzu Palace, marking a start of a campaign intended to raise funds for assisting military veterans.
According to Chakwera, fallen and ex- soldiers contributed to the Malawi Defence Force’s (MDF) well-established reputation as a disciplined, skillful and patriotic institution.
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“When it comes to constitutionalism and institutionalism, there is no better role model in our governance framework than the MDF.
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“For this reason, those who have gone into retirement after wearing the uniform with valour and honour deserve our fondest memory, our highest regard, and our noblest service.
“You have reminded us about the status of our ex-service men and women and calling on us as a nation to stay the course in caring for their welfare and celebrating their contribution to our national security,” Chakwera said.
He further called on Malawians to reflect on the achievements of the ex-soldiers and recommit themselves to the care for those who have at one time put themselves in harm’s way to keep Malawi safe.
“We need to honour those who have given their lives to military service so that we can enjoy our civilian ways of life in peace.
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“To all of you here and to those who are not able to be here, and to all those we have lost along the way, I say, on behalf of the Malawian people, thank you,” Chakwera said.
Chairperson for the Veterans and Ex-service Members League of Malawi (Velom) General Henry Odillo said the military veterans are facing challenges and require K100 million to solve some of the challenges.
“Velom continues to make slow but steady progress in the noble task of uplifting the welfare of its members on one hand and, widows and orphans of our departed colleagues who took part in the World War 1 and 2 on the other.
“I wish to report that over the past one year, Velom carried out several activities, notably assisting its members during bereavement, assisting widows and orphans of its deceased colleagues in its small way, where possible visiting and financially assisting sick colleagues and engaging various stakeholders in government to speed up payment of minimum pension adjustment and barracks allowance arrears,” Odillo said.
He said this year’s Poppy appeal seeks to raise K100 million to assist veterans in need and families of fallen soldiers including renovating houses which are being occupied by veterans at the War memorial homes in Zomba.
Odillo said there are also ex- soldiers who were affected by Cyclone Freddy and they also need support.
Chakwera led Malawians in buying the poppy flower at K2 million which will go towards the support of the ex- soldiers and fallen soldiers’ families.
