Heroes Past and Present

Heroes Day will be observed on Monday.

Contextualising the day, as there is a risk of many considering it just another public holiday, let’s take another look at the meaning and purpose of Heroes Day.

Across the globe many countries commemorate a heroes day annually, and like Namibia, they have set the day aside as a public holiday.

The African countries observing this day annually include Angola, Cape Verde, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

A heroes day commemoration often marks the date of a significant event in a country’s history or coincides with the birthday of a national hero or heroine.

In Namibia, like in Cape Verde, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the day marks the start of the struggle for independence.

Here it also honours the many who died in the process of Namibia attaining nationhood.

Across the world, in countries where a heroes day is observed it traditionally commences with the head of state laying a wreath at a memorial.

Various speeches are made as a reminder of the day’s importance and significance.

Nations must reflect on the heroic deeds of individuals who placed service above themselves.

It is important to recognise and remember those who had to make personal sacrifices – especially those who made that supreme sacrifice, which is to die for a cause in service of the motherland.

That is part of a country’s history, and it is important to learn from the past as it guides future deeds and action.

A hero is defined as a person of noble character and is recognised for a courageous act he or she may have performed.

An individual who, in the opinion of others, should have this honour bestowed upon them for their special achievements or personal qualities.

But we must not celebrate the dead only, as a living person can be a hero too.

There are heroes of the present and the recent past.

Now forgotten are the many heroes and heroines during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals and support staff.

They worked tirelessly night and day in the execution of their duties, and under trying conditions, facing insurmountable challenges.

There are many unsung heroes of the present, and in celebrating the fallen heroes it is important to acknowledge and give thought to the many unrecognised individuals in a community doing good deeds day in and day out.

We see them, but all too often fail to acknowledge them. They are just taken for granted.

They are those everyday people who care for the less fortunate in a community seeking no glory or gain, just doing what they do – helping others in need.

This includes feeding, clothing, caring and comforting. It comes naturally to them, and they do so out of love for their fellow human beings.

How do we or should we acknowledge them?

There is no easy answer, but for now, let us try to emulate what they do, and also lend a helping hand to the sick, distressed and vulnerable where and whenever we can.

• *Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com