adminFidelis Munyoro and Nyemudzai Kakore
Diplomats from several countries have hailed Zimbabweans for coming out in their numbers to honour fallen gallant sons and daughters of the liberation struggle who rendered their sacrifice in freeing their motherland from minority rule.
They said Heroes’ Day was special and a reminder to all Zimbabweans that freedom, peace and prosperity of the country has its foundation on the country’s history of the liberation struggle.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Heroes’ Commemorations, the diplomats said it was these fallen and living heroes and heroines whose acts of courage brought independence.
Tanzanian Ambassador Charles Makakala said Heroes’ Day in Zimbabwe reminded him of the time Tanzanians were together with the liberation fighters of Zimbabwe in training camps, bases and the cooperation that existed during the liberation struggle.
“As we are commemorating this Heroes’ Day in Zimbabwe, Tanzanians are also commemorating with you,” he said.
“We in Tanzania are very close to Zimbabwe. We have graves of gallant fallen heroes of Zimbabwe in Tanzania in various camps and on such a day like this one, Tanzanians go to such places to join our Zimbabwean comrades in remembering our fallen heroes.
“We should remember the gallant heroes by defending the achievements that they fought for sovereignty, independence and economic aspirations of Zimbabwe.”
He said the liberation of Zimbabwe was a mark of African co-operation and unity. Zimbabwe, he said, could not envisage the success of a liberation struggles without the support of the entire African community.
Dutch Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Gera Sneller said it was important for the nation to remember its fallen and living heroes/heroines.
“The crowd here is quite amazing,” she said.
“People have come out in their numbers to celebrate this momentous occasion.”
She also commended President Mugabe for encouraging people to be united in commemorating the Heroes’ Day.
Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Kadir Hidayet Eris said the heroes’ celebrations were important for the country.
Angola’s first secretary to Zimbabwe Mr Eduardo Kondwa said he had every reason to be proud of Zimbabwe and its people for taking time to remember the gallant sons and daughters who fought for the independence of the country.
“President Mugabe made an important speech encouraging people to unite and continue celebrating this special day for it has special meaning to the history of the country,” said Ms Sneller.
She said Netherlands and Zimbabwe enjoy strong relations.
Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Kadir Hidayet Eris said the heroes’ celebrations were important for the country.
“It is important for Zimbabwe’s success story. Long live to the Zimbabwean people. Long live President Mugabe,” said Mr Eris.
Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador Mohammad Amin Nejad said the day was important as the nation took time to celebrate its heroes/heroines who fought in the liberation struggle to free the country.
“This is important because it gives people time to reflect on the legacy of the liberation struggle while it is also a reminder to follow the path to prosperity designed by the heroes.
Angola’s first secretary to Zimbabwe Mr Eduardo Kondwa said he had every reason to be proud of Zimbabwe and its people for taking time to remember the gallant sons and daughters who fought for the independence of the country.
“Africans, were most of us victims of colonialism, but gallant people interred here fought indeed to liberate Zimbabwe,” he said.
“They also liberated other countries in the region. We are proud of what they did. Today we are independent because of them.”
Mr Kondwa added that it was important to honour their liberation achievement for the future of Zimbabwe and the entire African continent.
Online Reporter