By Buffalo Reporters
Zambia Army has today, 27 December 2024, commemorated its special day, the Army Day, which falls on 28 December.
The Army Day is a pivotal moment in the history of the Zambia Army as it marks the historic appointment of the first indigenous Zambia Army Commander General Kingsley Chinkuli on 28 December 1970.
Officers and Soldiers responded in their numbers, clad in green sport’s attire, to actively participate in various sports activities, which included football, volleyball, basketball, aerobics, chess and tug-of-war, among many others.
Speaking when he graced the event at Arakan Barracks’ Green Square, Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff Major General Luswepo Sinyinza placed emphasis on the importance of participating in sports.
Maj Gen Sinyinza said sports activities are just as important for physical and mental capacities as they are for the development of health minds and bodies, which are a catalyst for productivity.
The Zambia Army day which was observed in all Zambia Army Formations and Units across the country has been comemorated under the theme “Zambia Army at Sixty Years of Dedicated Service to the Nation Anchored on Core Values”.
“My humble appeal to all Officers and Soldiers is to endeavour to participate in events of such nature regulary as they do not only promote good health, but Esprit de Corps too,” Maj Gen Sinyinza said.
The Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff also reminded troops to be proud of the Army’s heritage, and look forward to the future with optimism and determination, further stating that he is confident that together, the Army can overcome any type of challenge and build a stronger and more united Zambia.
Maj Gen Sinyinza further said it is time to renew the Army’s commitment to upholding the values of integrity, professionalism and service to the nation as a way of honouring sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes.
In Central Province, Officers and Soldiers gathered at Chindwin Barracks’ grounds to commemorate the day.
2 Infantry Deputy Brigade Commander Col Webster Chakufyali represented the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Rabson Kunda Chama.
The Brigade Commander said the Army has over the years expanded and mordenised to its current establishment,also stating that Zambia Army, in its 60 years of existence under the the command of indigenous Zambian Officers, has effectively brought stability in areas where internal security and peace were threatened.
And in Ndola, 3 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Kelvin Chiyangi said Army Day is an important Day in the history of the Zambia Army which needs to be celebrated with pride.
“As we commemorate this day through organised sports, I want to remind you to take sports seriously as it does not just provide one with entertainment, but has numerous health benefits,” Brig Gen Chiyangi said.
He said Zambia Army has grown in all aspects and, urged the troops to remain professional while embracing Esprit de Corps.
Meanwhile, Officers and Soldiers of 1 Infantry Brigade joined hands witha the civilian community of Lusaka West Military Camp to commemorate Zambia Army Day through sporting activities.
Speaking during the event, 1 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Maybin Muyanga said that 28 December remains significant on the Army calendar as this is when the first indigenous Commander was ushered into office creating room for other outstanding Commanders to follow.
3 Special Forces Group Headquarters Group Deputy Commander, Colonel Moses Shapwaya encouraged the Operatives to always take part in sport.
Col Shapwaya said sport is cardinal for sustainable health and that it is part of training.
