President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera led the nation on Sunday in a solemn Remembrance Day ceremony at the Zomba War Memorial Tower, commemorating the sacrifices of Malawian soldiers who served in the two World Wars. The annual event, held in Zomba at the historic war memorial, also paid tribute to the nation’s active and retired military personnel.
Arriving precisely at 10:58 a.m., two minutes before the symbolic 11:00 hour when the guns of World War I fell silent in 1918, President Chakwera was welcomed by top military and police officials, including Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Army Commander Paul Valentino Phiri and Deputy Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service, Happy Mkandawire.
Remembrance Day, observed globally on November 11, recognizes the end of World War I and honors the courage and sacrifices of soldiers who fought in various conflicts. Malawi Defence Force Public Relations Officer Major Calvin Mlelemba emphasized that the day is a tribute not only to fallen soldiers but also to the ongoing contributions of active military personnel.
“The day is set aside to appreciate the role of our serving soldiers in safeguarding the nation and to remember the contributions of departed and retired soldiers in various operations,” he noted, referencing Malawi’s participation in international peacekeeping efforts, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During the ceremony, President Chakwera led a wreath-laying procession, followed by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madaliso Kazombo, Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, and other prominent figures, including MP Mark Botomani, representing opposition parties. Warrant Officer Class 1 Frank Masiano, a living war veteran, laid a wreath on behalf of all veterans, while Tanzanian Ambassador to Malawi Agness Kayola represented the diplomatic community.
This year’s event also marked a century since the establishment of the Zomba War Memorial Pillar, highlighting Malawi’s enduring commitment to honoring its military legacy. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of the past and a celebration of the enduring peace and freedom achieved by Malawian soldiers over the last hundred years.
