Online Reporter
The Herald, 11 August 1990
TODAY is National Heroes Day, the day when Zimbabweans throughout the country remember their compatriots who fell during the liberation struggle.
Several events have been organised countrywide at cell, branch and district to provincial and national level. Many of the events will be held at local heroes acres.
At the National Heroes Acre in Harare, President Mugabe will lead the nation in the commemoration, during which he will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Other dignitaries expected to lay wreaths are Vice Presidents Muzenda and Nkomo, senior Government officials, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Mayor of Harare, Clr Simon Chikwavaire.
The event begins at 8am with members of the public converging on Heroes Acre. From 9.25am will arrive the Mayor of Harare, service chiefs, MPs, minis ters, members of the Zanu (PF) Central Committee, former president Rev Canaan Banana, the Speaker and senior ministers.
Vice President Muzenda and Vice President Nkomo and their wives arrive at 9.55am to be followed soon after by President Mugabe and First Lady Cde Sally Mugabe at 10am.
Soon after the President’s arrival, the Presidential Quarter Guard will present arms and then play the Ishe Komborera Africa theme. The President will then inspect a guard of honour as air force jets fly a salute.
After reviewing the guard, the President will walk up the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the accompaniment of two gun salutes interspersed by a minute of silence.
A religious minister will lead the gathering in prayer before the President delivers his address to the nation. Between 11.05am and 11.15am, songs and poems will be sung and recited for the gathering, and this will be followed by the laying of wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with Cde Mugabe laying the first.
Lessons for today:
- National Heroes Day serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
- It teaches the importance of remembering and honouring those who fought for freedom, ensuring that future generations understand their country’s history and the cost of independence.
- The nationwide commemorations from local to national levels reflect a collective effort to celebrate shared values and history. Such events foster national unity and pride, encouraging citizens to come together regardless of background or region.
