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Pamela Shumba, Chronicle Reporter
Zimbabweans today remember the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives to liberate this country.

All roads therefore lead to the heroes’ acres across the country but the main event will be at the National Heroes’ Acre where President Mugabe will address thousands of people expected to throng the national shrine.

Those who cannot make it to Harare will gather at either district or provincial heroes’ acres in their respective areas for the commemorations.

Zanu-PF national spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya-Moyo yesterday said Heroes’ Day is an important day for the country’s leadership to reflect on the liberation struggle and safeguard the purpose of the revolution.

Speaking on the importance of the day, 37 years after independence, Cde Khaya-Moyo said it was a significant day for introspection and reflection.

“It’s a special day and it gives us an opportunity to remember the struggle for our liberation and the gallant sons and daughters who gave their lives for us to be free from colonialism.

“It’s also a special day to express our gratitude for such sacrifices. It’s indeed a day of stock-taking and reflection,” said Cde Khaya-Moyo.

He said it was everyone’s duty to make the country a better place for future generations.

“In other words we should leave a legacy for generations to come. Stock-taking means that we should give ourselves that moment to look back and ask ourselves whether we have betrayed the revolution or we are on course in fulfilling the objectives of the liberation struggle.

“Are we still united as we were during the struggle? Are we still focused as we were during the struggle? Are we still on course in terms of economic emancipation? Are we all prepared to defend the sovereignty of our country? All these questions or reflections must give us the opportunity to do those things that are in honour of the comrades who died for our country,” said Cde Khaya-Moyo.

The Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Cde Cain Mathema said commemorating Heroes’ Day gives people strength to work together and remain united.

“It’s a day we remember our heroes and heroines and of course to keep Zimbabwe united and protect our land against those who don’t want us to be independent. To rededicate ourselves to the wishes and aspiration of those that sacrificed their lives to liberate the country.

“Opposition parties like the MDC want us to be conquered but we must fight against that. Let’s celebrate and consolidate what we have. In Matabeleland North like other provinces, Government implemented many development projects such as building schools, clinics, hospitals, roads and dams,” said Cde Mathema.

He said the province should now make sure that each family moves from subsistence farming to commercial farming.

The Minister of State for Bulawayo provincial Affairs, Cde Nomthandazo Moyo, said there is every reason to celebrate even if the country is facing some economic challenges.

“We have to show our appreciation to all those who took part in the liberation struggle. We have to remember that there are people who lost their loved ones during the liberation struggle and this changed their lives.

“It’s unfortunate that the history of the liberation struggle is only spoken about on this day only. Our young people should be educated on how this country came about. There must be some kind of history that we can tell about each and every one of our liberation heroes and hoerines as a way of showing respect to them,” said Cde Moyo.

She urged the people of Bulawayo to join the country in commemorating this significant day and learn more about the liberation struggle.

She thanked well-wishers who contributed towards the commemorations.

@pamelashumba1