The Maldives is set to confer special honour on former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and families of martyrs on this year’s Victory Day ceremony scheduled for Monday.
Beginning at 9:00 am, the event will serve as a platform for national recognition, with key figures from the historic defense being honoured for their valor and leadership.
Former President Gayoom will be the recipient of a prestigious Special Medal of Honor, presented in recognition of his commendable efforts and decisive leadership during the 1988 coup attempt. Concurrently, Memorial Medals will be presented to the families of the brave martyrs—both army personnel and civilians—who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the sovereignty of the Maldives.
This decision reflects a cohesive national recognition of the services rendered during one of the most critical moments in modern Maldivian history. The aggression resulted in the tragic loss of eight soldiers and 11 civilians, whose selflessness is now permanently enshrined through these memorial tributes.
The Victory Day ceremony will also feature crucial addresses to the nation. The President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to deliver an address reflecting on the significance of the victory and the importance of national unity. The Minister of Defense, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon will also address the gathering of dignitaries, officials, and citizens at the Social Center during ceremony.
Victory Day, observed on 3 November, marks the day in 1988 when six traitors colluded with a foreign group in an attempt to overthrow the government and seize control of the Maldives.