SHOULD it even be a point of debate whether Zimbabweans young or old know the value or importance of the national flag and anthem?
In some sections of the private media last week it was a point to go to town about as they queried why children should be made to salute the flag in schools.
The Patriot went into the streets to find out from the Zimbabweans themselves what the national flag and anthem means to them.
Crispen Makwindi from Zaka: “The national flag and national anthem are our rallying points.
“What is on the flag constantly reminds us of our past, what we have achieved and where we are going as a country.
“The words of the national anthem point out who we are as a country, our aspirations and goals we hope to achieve together as one.
“The anthem is our directional strategy every other policy, strategy that is put in place buttresses what the national anthem says.
“Every Zimbabwean should be proud of the national anthem and flag as they symbolise our vision and mission.
“By knowing the national anthem it helps every Zimbabwe to self correct as it constantly reminds us of our values and principles.
“The flag and national anthem should be passed down to coming generations so that they will not have troubles knowing who they are, their past and where they are going.”
Rwodzi (Gutu): “A country without a flag or national anthem has nothing to identify with.
“Every Zimbabwean should be proud to sing the national anthem and knowing the meaning of our flag.
“It is from these two that we get our identity as Zimbabweans.
“If our children are taught from an early stage about these two we will not have cases of people with split identities as they would from the word go know who they are.
“We should be proud even to wear clothes or own artefacts that have the colours of our flag.
“We have seen people wearing clothes representing the American flag and they do it proudly but when it comes to our own flag they cannot.
“It is sometimes disheartening to see that some people representing even our sports national teams cannot sing the national anthem.”
Ruvarashe Mamina (Borrowdale, Harare): “Our national anthem stands out.
“It tells the Zimbabwean story and anyone who does not want to sing it should really look inside them and ask themselves if they are real Zimbabweans.
“The anthem reminds us of how blessed our country is with minerals and beautiful sceneries.
“It is important that as young people appreciate it and sing it with pride as it tells our story.”
Emma Maboreke (Borrowdale, Harare): “The national anthem holds valuable life lessons for every Zimbabwean.
“It teaches us to be thankful for what the Lord has given us and it teaches us to pray for our leaders.
“The national anthem guides us as a nation and it is a representation of what every Zimbabwean hopes for.
“As for the national flag, it is an important symbol for every Zimbabwean hence everyone young and old should be proud to identify with the flag.”
Nyasha Zulu (Greendale, Harare: “As a young person I am proud to identify with our national flag and national anthem.
“For starters I think Zimbabwe is one of the countries with the most beautiful national anthem with inspiring and motivating words.
“To me it is a prayer I gladly say for my country.
“The flag reminds me of the country’s past and achievements.”
Martin Eliyamu (Epworth, Harare): “I grew up singing the national anthem and I would also want my children to do the same.
“It helps instil a sense of pride in a person and helps one fully understand what it means to be Zimbabwean.”