President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed took part in the official Victory Day commemorations today, beginning with a flag-raising and guard-mounting ceremony at the November 3 Memorial Monument before attending military displays at Republic Square.
The ceremony at the November 3 Memorial Monument was held at 6:00 am, with President Muizzu attending in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The President and First Lady were welcomed by Defence and National Service Minister Hassan Rasheed and senior military officers.
The event was attended by Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed, Cabinet ministers, serving military personnel and retired members of the armed forces.
The proceedings began after the President gave permission for the ceremony to commence. Eight flags were then raised in honour of the eight MNDF personnel who lost their lives defending the country during the attempted coup on 3 November 1988.
The ceremony also featured a one-minute silence in remembrance of the fallen heroes, followed by a seven-gun salute, a special prayer and the singing of the MNDF anthem.
Following the ceremony, President Muizzu met and exchanged greetings with retired military personnel who had served the country for many years.
Later, the President and First Lady attended the MNDF's Victory Day military displays at Republic Square, where different branches of the armed forces showcased their activities, equipment and operational capabilities.
The displays featured uniforms worn by various MNDF units, military equipment and vehicles used in land and maritime operations. The MNDF Military Band also performed as part of the celebrations.
Cabinet ministers, senior government officials and invited guests attended the event, while large numbers of members of the public, particularly families and children, gathered at Republic Square to watch the displays.
The annual exhibition provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about the work, development and capabilities of the country's armed forces.
Victory Day is observed every year on 3 November to commemorate the events of 1988, when Maldivian security forces defended the nation's sovereignty and independence against an attempted coup.
The November 3 Memorial Monument, inaugurated in 2012, stands in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the attack. Its design replicates the gate that was blown open by the attackers during their attempt to enter the MNDF headquarters, while its eight pillars represent the eight military personnel who were killed defending the country.
