Commando regiment marks 31st anniversary

at One Commando Barracks in Harare yesterday.
“The history of commandos is an illustrious one. In countless challenges to your courage and resourcefulness; you have served with distinction, pride and honour in all the campaigns you have participated in.
“It is therefore befitting that on this special occasion we acknowledge some of the history that has contributed to your legendary status in the ZNA history,” said Colonel Gwekwerere.
He said the special force made a mark in Mozambique, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the Operation Sovereignty Legitimacy where they fought fiercely.
“You raised the Zimbabwe Defence Forces flag high by executing the task of breaking the eight-month long Ikela siege where Allied troops had been surrounded by the enemy and virtually cut off from all physical contact with other allied forces,” he said.
The peace that is prevailing in the region, Col Gwekwerere said, could not have been possible without the Commando’s contribution.
“Yet in all these campaigns, you committed yourselves to duty without concern of your personal comfort,” Col Gwekwerere said.
He also commended the regiment for aiding civilian communities and cited Commando engineers who assisted in the construction of two classroom blocks at Musuwo Belmont primary school in Goromonzi.
Col Gwekwerere laid a wreath at The Commandos Monument that is made up of the Commandos Plinth and the Role of Honour which bears the names of all the members who have died in service.
A parade comprising five detachments namely the waterborne, heliborne, airborne, headquarters, diamond and support companies marched past in slow and quick time to the applause of the spouses, fellow officers and guests.