ON Monday, Zimbabweans commemorate Heroes’ Day. A day set aside to reminisce and reflect on the work done and sacrifices made by the fallen and living gallant fighters of the war of liberation.
The Patriot took to the streets to find out Zimbabweans’ views on the importance of commemorating the day.
Tatenda Kufa (Mufakose, Harare): “On Heroes’ Day we will celebrate both the living and departed who served and continue to serve the country diligently.
“It is a day we must revere.
And we must celebrate beyond this day; every day must be a celebration of our heroes.
“Our achievements today, our capabilities, our skills, are a result of the efforts of the sons and daughters of the soil.
“Hence Heroes’ Day is more than just a holiday.
It is a day for self-introspection, a day for reflection.
“To know who we are, where we come from, where we are going, what we will leave for future generations.”
Talent Mapurisa (Msasa Park, Kwekwe): “Heroes’ Day holiday is a reminder of the sacrifice many Zimbabweans made in order to liberate the country. Racism, colonialism and xenophobic derivatives are the vices that heroes and heroines relentlessly fight.
“It was not easy for one to leave behind a family and join the war against the colonial regime.
This holiday reminds us that the war against the country’s detractors is not over as it is not everyone who is happy to see an independent Zimbabwe.
“We have already benefitted under the Land Reform Programme, something which honours the sacrifice made by those who fought against the Ian Smith regime.
“The same oppressor we defeated is still devising methods of coming back to re-colonise us.
We still have to fight the war against mental slavery as there are Zimbabweans who are ready to hand over the country back to former colonial masters.
“By safeguarding the gains of independence we will be honouring and thanking our fallen heroes.”
Sekuru Matunhu (Masvingo): “The paying of the ultimate price of losing one’s life by the children of Zimbabwe is something that cannot be taken for granted.
“Our children died.
“The country’s children died to liberate us.
“Tinofanirwa kurikoshesa zuva iri mwanangu.
Some lost limbs and others can no longer live the full stretch of their lives owing to the vagaries of the war they experienced.
“Pane vamwe vasipo who must have been with us in a free Zimbabwe to start families, to enjoy the fruits of their sweat (and blood), asi havapo.
“Vakafira ini newe.
“The least we can do is educate our youths on the importance of safeguarding our heritage.”
Cde Mukambacheza (Rusape): “This Heroes’ Day holiday we should dedicate it to talking about getting our friends from wherever they lie for decent burial at home.
“Each time we approach the Heroes’ Day holiday, visits are made to Chimoio and Mkushi camps, but not even a single visit has been made to Doiroi, Mavhudzi, Chibawawa and other places where macomrades who went to join the war of liberation lie.
“Those places must now be jungles, we have forgotten our friends.
“Their wish was to be brought back home from foreign lands.
“As we celebrate Heroes’ Day this year, Government should make frantic efforts to offer all fallen heroes in foreign lands decent burials.”
Sithandile Mpofu, (Nketa, Bulawayo): “Commemorating the Heroes’ Day holiday is important for every Zimbabwean.
“Everyone, young and old, should know the background to this special day and not only party throughout the holiday, but take time to consider what our heroes did for us.
“By understanding the history behind this day, everyone will be motivated to safeguard our hard-won independence.
“Most youths choose to ignore the importance of this day, but what they do not know is that in countries they admire the most, like UK and America, they celebrate their heroes.
“Why don’t we as Zimbabweans celebrate our heroes?”