STF Commemoration Day

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The 26th Commemoration Day of the STF War Heroes was held at the Katukurunda STF training wing yesterday. It was held in memory of the 462 heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and the integrity of the Motherland.

Immediately after the parade at the War Heros’ Monument amidst large gathering of parents, wives, children and relatives of the fallen War Heroes’ the Gazetted Officers of the STF arrived at the ceremony. They were followed by STF Commandant DIG K L M Sarathchandra.

The Chief Guest, Chief of Defence Staff and Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke was welcomed by the STF Commandant. Thereafter a floral tribute was paid to the War Heroes Monument by the Chief Guest, STF Commandant and DIG operation RWMC Ranawana. One hundred and sixty five children of the fallen war heroes were given scholarships at the ceremony. After the vote of thanks made by ASP Athula Davulagala the children, wives and parents of the fallen war heroes paid their floral tributes before the monument.

It was a heartrending moment to see elderly mothers, wives, very young children trying to locate their son’s, husband’s or father’s name depicted on the pedestal of the War Heroes’ Monument.