ON Monday Zimbabweans join hands in commemorating Heroes Day.
The day was set aside to remind Zimbabweans about those gallant sons and daughters of the soil who made a stand against imperialism.
The Patriot took to the streets to find out people’s views on the importance of commemorating the day.
Nyaradzo Tsoka (Rusape): Heroes Day holiday is a remainder of the sacrifice many Zimbabweans made in order to liberate the country.
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 Smith regime.
The same oppressor whom 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.
Seven Bhobho (Mainway Meadows, Harare): It is good that we maintain the culture of celebrating our heroes as it is because of them we live in a peaceful country.
If it was not for those who sacrificed their lives to fight against oppressive white rule, we would not be here enjoying the benefits of being Zimbabwean.
Every Zimbabwean should commemorate this day and be grateful for what the fallen and living heroes did for us.
The Heroes Day holiday reminds us that as Zimbabweans, we started a revolution which has key concepts that have to be upheld.
The struggle was the beginning of this revolution and it is up to us to continue with the concept of emancipating Zimbabwe.
We need to educate our youths on the importance of safeguarding our heritage.
Youths should know that we are not creating stories about the war, they should know that it was not easy to free Zimbabwe.
Mai Mverechena (Domboshava): Commemorating the Heroes Day holiday is important for every Zimbabwean.
Everyone young and old should know the background of 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.
I am proud to be identified as a Zimbabwean; my country has a rich history and has people who are ready to fight for their rights.
If it was not for the sacrifice by those who took part in the liberation struggle, I would not be a proud owner of a farm today.
It was through their dedication that Zimbabweans are now free to rule their country.
Every Zimbabwean should be proud to be identified by the struggle and the country’s rich history.
Youths need to continue what was started by our elders by safeguarding the gains of independence and also championing the empowerment of the indigenes.
They have a role to play in building Zimbabwe, so it is up to every individual to identify what they can do to protect our interests.
We will always cherish what the freedom fighters did for us.
Six-year-old Mutsawashe Biasi (Budiriro, Harare): We learn about the stories about the war in school and my parents talk about the liberation struggle.
From what I hear it was not a good time to live in with all the fighting and people being abused by the whites.
So those who went to war were indeed brave.
I enjoy the songs that they used to sing.