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Security Agencies in the Upper East Region on Friday held a parade to mark the 66th Veterans Day celebration in Bolgatanga, in remembrance of fallen and living heroes of the two world wars. A combined parade including four officials and 78 men and women drawn from the Ghana Police Service, the Prisons Service and the Immigration Service was held to remember the gallant soldiers who died in the wars. The old Ex-Service men, too weak to stand, did not join the parade but sat around to witness in the event. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo laid a wreath on behalf of the Government whilst the Regional Deputy Commander of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACOP Peter King Gyinae, laid one for the Security agencies. The chairman of the Upper East Regional Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), Warrant Officer Class One Mustapha Kutana, laid a wreath in honor of Ghanaian Veterans living and dead, whiles the Tindana of Dagweo, a surburb of the Bolgatanga Municipality, Mr Steven Alebkia took his turn to lay a wreath for Traditional authorities. Mr Woyongo commended the efforts of the soldiers who fought in the world wars and sacrificed their lives towards the attainment of independence. He urged the young security men present to emulate the gallant men who served the nation with dedication, selflessness and honesty to lift high the flag of Ghana. Mr Woyongo reiterated Government�s commitment to running an all- inclusive administration and called on the Veterans to contribute to the governance process of the country based on transparency, hard work and integrity. �As an Association, you need to hold periodic durbars to discuss national issues and make your position on such issues or matters known to government�, he added. The Regional Minister was saddened by the inability of successive governments to reward veterans appropriately for their contributions to the birth and development of Ghana in spite of the numerous sacrifices they made, and assured the ex-service men of government�s support in recognition of their efforts. �Government has put in place very attractive policies and programmes that will help you better your lot�, he noted and urged the veterans to take advantage of the numerous poverty reduction interventions instituted by government to improve their living standards. Mr Woyongo advised the ex-service men to practice good health habits such as exercising and refraining from tobacco and alcohol as that could affect their health adversely.