“I WONDER, is it that more heroes have died or there is an increased appreciation of our brave sons and daughters of the soil,” remarked a colleague.
My colleague made this remark recounting how seating space could not be found at Nkulumane Provincial Heroes Acre in Bulawayo.
There was an overflow of people.
The scenario in Bulawayo was replicated countrywide.
A multitude turned out at the National Heroes Acre, chikomo chirere mhare dzenyika chaive chizere nevanhu/ intaba elele amaqhawe elizwe yayigcwele abantu.
Out of their own volition, knowledge and appreciation many turned out to celebrate the lives and deeds of the heroic children of Zimbabwe that served and continue to serve the country.
Vanhu vakabuda voga, nehuwandu hwavo kuzopemberera magamba enyika vapenyu nevakatisiya/ abantu baphumangobunengi babo besiyathakazelela amaqhawe elizwe abalaphi lamhlanje labanye abasitshiyayo.
The same happened during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces celebrations.
At the National Sports Stadium, some people could not get in, nhandare yaive izere, ruzhinji rwevanhu rwuchifarira mauto enyika/ inkundla yayigcwele, abantu abanengi ababethakazelela amabutho elizwe.
The gigantic stadium was filled to capacity in the morning; others only got a chance to get in the afternoon when those not interested in soccer were leaving.
I was charmed.
My heart was warmed.
We are a people truly in love with our country, tinoda nyika yenyu/sithanda ilizwe lethu.
We are patriots.
Not just a few, but many of us.
We appreciate and know what it means to be Zimbabwean.
It is at these moments that one gets to see that despite the challenges we are facing we remain a united people desiring the best for our country.
It is important to note that as the years roll by, we have not forgotten those that are not with us who were instrumental in the attainment of the freedom we enjoy today.
In the name of so-called progress, we have been asked to forget where we have come from.
Where we have come from has been said not to be important by people who commemorate important dates in their calendars zealously.
These people would very much want us to forget where we have come from and in the process forget who we are.
They want us to aspire for a future that is not hinged in the past, a future with no roots.
So-called benefits of moving on and disregarding the past have been presented to us, nicely packaged, but our people I am glad, have seen past through this charade.
Many turned out at the heroes acres.
Many did not have relatives at these shrines, but were eager to know the stories of the gallant men and women that rest in these sacred grounds.
University students, the curious tourist thronged our hallowed grounds across the nation.
Family members beamed with pride as they narrated the heroic deeds of their mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters.
It was also their moment as much as it was for the fallen heroes and heroines.
We will definitely not forget our brave and courageous.
We will not forget our past as we forge ahead into the future.
Our heroes and heroines’ courage and selflessness under difficult times and conditions inspire us.
They strengthen us.
And help us maintain our resolve even in the midst of difficulties and challenges that appear insurmountable.
We will overcome our challenges just as they overcame an enemy who by all appearances seemed impossible to defeat.