IDF chief: All citizens have a duty to remember Israel's fallen

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot issues remarks saluting Israel's 23,320 fallen soldiers ahead of state Remembrance Day ceremony.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Gadi Eisenkot (photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
Gadi Eisenkot
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot stressed Wednesday on Remembrance Day that all Israeli citizens have a duty to commemorate the country's fallen soldiers and uphold their memory while contributing to the future of the state.
"Today the nation of Israel stands still and pauses to remember its sons and daughters who fought and fell for the freedom of Israel," he said in statement Wednesday morning.
The IDF chief issued his remarks ahead of a commemorative two-minute siren that is set to sound throughout the country at 11 a.m. to mark the solemn day.
Following the siren, a state ceremony in commemoration of fallen soldiers will commence at Jerusalem's Mt. Herzl.
Eizenkot, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayahu and President Reuven Rivlin, will also attend a ceremony at Mt. Herzl Wednesday at 1 p.m. to honor victims of terrorism.
"We, the IDF commanders and soldiers, stand today and salute in memory of our colleagues, our officers and our commanders who have fallen in the line of duty," Eizenkot said in commemoration of Israel's 23,320 fallen soldiers.
The recently-appointed IDF chief of staff pointed toward Israel's economic and cultural achievements in the past 67 years since the state's independence among the factors that stand as testimony to the contribution of the fallen soldiers.
"Their memory continues to guide us as we fulfill their last will and testament - defending the country and providing security for all citizens and residents," he said. 
Yaakov Lappin contributed to this report.