Story by Peter Chivhima
A time to remember and honor the courageous men and women who fought tirelessly for freedom, justice, and prosperity, it is a few days before the nation honours those who sacrificed to untangle Zimbabwe from the shackles of colonialism.
Liberation artist Mr Guy Mutasa says while the nation is poised to host the prestigious 44th SADC Summit, a monumental event that showcases regional leadership, Zimbabweans must not forget the brave men and women who have shaped the country’s history and identity.
“The importance of August in Zimbabwe is where we reflect back to our liberation struggle, where we then. We should remember those who did not make it to be with us today and it’s a year in year out memory of the past, of our history, of our struggle, to our independence. So, when we get to August, as we are now gearing for the SADC summit, which is coming soon, it is really befitting that we are celebrating both our foreign heroes and also that this is because we have fought a protracted war to our independence. It is really befitting that we celebrate and at the same time we celebrate the SADC and the chairmanship that is coming to our President, he said.
This year’s Heroes Day main celebrations will be held on the 12th of August at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, with simultaneous commemorations being held in provincial capitals.
“My call to the nation is let’s always remember of our journey to our independence and it is because of those who sacrificed to make it to where we are today and we will look back and we say we are a liberated nation because of those who sacrificed their lives,” he added.
The Heroes Day commemorations will also coincide with the conferment of awards to individuals who have excelled in various fields and for diligently serving the nation in different sectors.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day will be celebrated on the 13th of August at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme, “Guaranteeing a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
