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countrywide to celebrate the lives and sacrifices made by the cou-ntry’s heroes during the liberation struggle.
President Mugabe led thousands of people at the main event at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare.
Governors and senior Government officials presided over commemorations in other provi-nces.
In Harare, proceedings started in the morning with busloads of people from different parts of the city and its environs thronging the national shrine.
The overflowing crowd could be one of the largest to attend the celebrations. While some people failed to get places on the grandstand, others were perched on treetops.
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Entertainment was provided by various groups including ZCC Mbungu Stars, Mbare Chimurenga Choir and some traditional groups.
Placards on display were inscribed with messages denouncing illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.
Among the dignitaries were Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John Nkomo, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, Senate President Edna Madzongwe, Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya-Moyo, Cabinet ministers, ser-vice chiefs and Members of Parliament.
Also joining in the commemorations were Sou-th African National Defence Forces Lieutenant Solly Shoke and Major General Graça Tomás Chongo of the Mozambican Defence Forces.
At Masvingo Provincial Heroes’ Acre, proceedings started after 8am with drum majorettes, members of the Zimbabwe National Army band and war veterans marching from Pangolin subu-rb to the shrine.
Masvingo Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke read the President’s speech.
He then led diginataries in laying wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and later met relatives of fallen heroes who had gathered around the graves where their relatives are interred.
The crowd was entertained by the Zimbabwe Prison Service and the crowd later converged at Mucheke Stadium to watch soccer matches.
In Mashonaland West Province, hundreds of people thronged Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes’ Acre to celebrate Heroes Day, which was characterised by poetry, song and dance.
Mashonaland West Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire, read the President’s speech before laying wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
He was accompanied by service chiefs and representatives of war veterans and collaborators.
A 21-gun salute was fired in honour of 36 he-roes and heroines interred at the provincial shrine.
Friends and relatives later had the chance to lay flowers on the graves of their beloved ones with the grave of dendera maestro Simon “Cho-pper” Chimbetu who died in 2005 once again attracting a huge crowd.
His son Suluman led relatives in laying wrea-ths on the grave.
Mashonaland West Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance competition winners Budiriro Cultural Arts group provided entertainment.
Scores of people from around Beitbridge District thronged the district heroes’ acre to commemorate the country’s heroes holiday.
People from across the political divide buried their differences and celebrated the holiday together as politicians from all the three major political parties were represented.
Beitbridge Senator Cde Tambudzani Mohadi read the President’s speech and led the gathering in laying wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by members of security forces and relatives of the fallen heroes.
Dulibadzimu Stadium has become the traditional venue for hosting state events.
The celebration was marked by drills from the National Eye Security, police, Zimbabwe National Army and drum majorettes from St Mary’s High School.
Later in the day, the gathering was treated to a soccer match at Dulibadzimu Stadium pitting women soccer teams from St Mary’s and Vhembe High School.
Matabeleland South provincial Governor Angeline Masuku led the proceedings in Gwanda town.
1194>1440>In Mashonaland Central province, hundreds of people converged at Bindura provincial heroes acre as early as 7 am.
Governor and Resident Minister for Mashonaland Central province Martin Dinha, read the president’s speech.
Present were services chiefs, Zanu-PF leadership and war veterans. The former freedom fighters lamented lack of respect by the community.
A local group Vazukuru VaMbuya Nehanda provided entertainment.
1194>1440>Scores of people across the political divide attended the Heroes Day commemoration in Mutare at the provincial heroes acre,
All the three political parties in the Inclusive Government were represented.
The Manicaland MDC chairperson, Mr David Mundirwira, said he was very impressed by how the event was organised .
“As MDC, we respect national events such as Heroes Day, which is why we did not want trivialize this day by not attending.
The Mayor of Mutare and MDC-T spokesperson, Mr Brian James echoed the same sentiments.
“The last time I was at the Manicaland Heroes Acre for the Heroes Day commemorations was in 2008 and there is a difference from how the commemorations were held this year to try not to polarize the proceedings.
Manicaland overnor of Manicaland, Cde Chris Mushohwe read the President’s speech.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Governor Cain Mathema read the President’s speech at a ceremony held at Nkulumane Provincial Heroes Acre.
In Matabeleland North, Governor Sithokozile Mathuthu officiated at a ceremony held in Lupane.
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