Honouring Heroes is a Collective Responsibility

As Namibians observe Heroes Day on Tuesday, some will yet again view it as just another public holiday. 

To put the day in context, let’s revisit the meaning and purpose of Heroes’ Day. 

Many countries celebrate a heroes’ day annually and, like Namibia, mark the day as a public holiday. 

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

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

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

Heroes’ Day honours the many who died in the process of Namibia attaining nationhood. 

In Namibia, the first armed clash took place at Omugulugwombashe on 26 August 1966. 

Worldwide, countries where a heroes day is observed traditionally starts with the head of state laying a wreath at a memorial followed by speeches by dignitaries as a reminder of the day’s importance and significance.

IMPORTANCE

Nations must reflect on the heroic deeds of individuals who placed service above self as it is important to recognise and remember those who made personal sacrifices – especially those who made that supreme sacrifice, which is to die for a cause in service of the motherland. 

By remembering and venerating their deeds, the nation reinforces its identity and reaffirms its foundational beliefs.

It is an integral part of a country’s history, and it’s 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 shouldn’t only celebrate the dead. Someone who’s alive can also be a hero. 

There are heroes of the present and the recent past. 

DUE RECOGNITION

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 to execute their duties under trying conditions, often facing insurmountable challenges.

In celebrating 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 often fail to acknowledge them. We tend to just take them 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, which they do out of love for their fellow human beings. 

Let’s emulate what they do, and when and wherever possible lend a helping hand to the sick, distressed and vulnerable in society. 

Provide comfort and succour for those less fortunate than ourselves right there in our communities.

– Danny Meyer is is a columnist; danny@smecompete.com

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