It is sad to remember my beloved father and brothers on their death anniversaries, which fall during these months, from December through to March.
On this occasion we remember my loving Thaaththi, Milo Aiyya, Suresh Aiyya and my dearest Malli – and the services they rendered our family and our nation.
In the late ’70s and early ’80s our small band of Fernandos, fondly known as the “Army Boys”, stood for the right and fought the wrong down our little lane in Wellawatte. Those ideals were nothing less than a declaration for humanity – in defence of innocents. Social security was the family forte.
This was the result of the fine guidance and coaching we had from our Thaththi, a true moralist. My hero, my eldest brother Milo Aiyya, continued Thaththi’s work by joining Sri Lanka’s all-volunteer Army in defending our country and our democratic ideals. Like Thaththi, he responded to something we refer to as the “call to duty”.
The text I present below is in honour of my hero Milo Aiya and all the other heroes who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of a united Motherland.
Serving one’s country is a noble calling, and one of the greatest of life’s good works. Nothing illustrates our commitment to our nation more than putting our boots on the ground where they are needed. During the bloody conflict, the Army had a bunch of heroic soldiers, most of whom had no sophisticated weaponry and equipment. Those soldiers had little more than their ideals to sustain them.
In his inaugural address in 1961, US President John F. Kennedy, challenged Americans to serve their country:
“Since this country was founded,” President Kennedy said, “each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again. ... The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Those eloquent words galvanised a generation of Americans, and remain as true today as they were 48 years ago.Our soldiers serving in the all-volunteer armed forces represent all that is right and good about our nation. Since 1983 the Army has answered the call to duty by sacrificing personal comfort and safety for the good of our nation. Today’s soldiers are taking Sri Lanka towards peace and furthering the cause of freedom.
Milo Aiya fought above and beyond the call of duty, against overwhelming odds, and died serving his motherland. He was a role model to his soldiers and to us, his brothers. He was a loving brother and dedicated soldier. He epitomised the Army’s warrior ethos:
“I will always place the mission first
I will never accept defeat
I will never quit and
I will never leave a fallen comrade.”
He also embodied the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honour, integrity and personal courage. The warrior ethos and these Army values are the foundation of good citizenship.
Our soldiers are answering the call to duty and enlisting in record numbers. They believe their service is making a difference. They believe in the adage “freedom isn’t free” and that the freedoms we take for granted are worth fighting for.
Today I honour my father and brothers, who reflect the character and achievements of our brave soldiers shouldering arms in defence of a united Sri Lanka.
Suresh Aiyya, you wanted to help eliminate terrorism from our Motherland, but your fatal illness, against which you fought a lone battle, prevented you from doing so.
Malli, you were the icon of our family. You kept us going with your jokes and pranks. You were the marshal who spearheaded the decisions of our childhood dreams – what we should do and be as we grow up. You were smart and courageous and a silent planner.
We would gather in the evenings and on school holidays to enjoy sports, and we mingled easily with Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and also Chinese boys. Down those lanes in Wellawatte we strengthened our sense of fellowship and our bonds. Ours was a truly united and sporting outfit.
I thank you all.
Sanjaya Fernando,
Wing Commander |
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