We must involve more senior citizens in July 1 honours

Yesterday marked Ghana’s 56th Republic Day, the day in 1960 when the British monarch ceased to be Ghana’s Head of State.

Over the years, there have not really been many activities to mark the day. However, one key event that has been held each year on the day observed as a statutory public holiday is the feting of senior citizens of the country.
Receptions are held in all the regions for senior citizens, who are presented with certificates and parcels for their contributions to the development of their respective areas and for playing significant roles in the country’s struggle for sovereignty and in the nation-building process.
While we commend the government for recognising the contributions of our senior citizens and appropriately rewarding them with token parcels, we urge it to include more senior citizens who may be unsung heroes but may have contributed their widow’s mite to the well-being of people in their communities or the country at large.
The Daily Graphic has noted that each year when there is a roll call of senior citizens on July 1, it is mostly the known faces of men and women who have contributed in industry, commerce or other very visible deed that are seen.
These are mostly businessmen and women, architects, engineers, lawyers, doctors, educationists and scientists who have contributed to societal well-being and have retired.
We, however, believe that it is not only these categoriees of professionals who have paid their dues to the state but also old traders, shoemakers, masons, electricians, plumbers, farmers, fishermen, fishmongers and technicians who may not have been seen to have done any spectacular things but who, in their working days,  contributed in no small way to help the cause of their communities or society.
These, we believe, also need mention and a pat on the back for their contributions to the provision of other equally important services which, most of the time, are not thought of but which we cannot do without.
There are many people who run a race but not all of them breast the tape or win the prize. It, however, does not mean that apart from those who win the first three positions, the others do not count.
In the same manner, the Daily Graphic believes that even those senior citizens who may be considered unsung need to be given some recognition during such occasions such as Republic Day.
We know that the regional celebrations are meant to recognise senior citizens in the countryside who have contributed their quota to nation building, but it appears the recognition is not going that far yet.
We think that if we so recognise our senior citizens, some of whom may have produced very influential men and women in society (even if they themselves could not achieve much), they will not feel left out but be part of the government’s attempt at honouring the elderly.
It is our view that the nation will court the blessings of its elderly who will feel elated that the country has recognised their sacrifices, no matter how little or insignificant anyone thought those sacrifices and contributions were.
Let this gesture by the state be all-embracing, no matter how small it is.