Honouring Heroes is a Collective Responsibility

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

To put the day in its context, let’s take another look at the meaning and purpose of Heroes Day.

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

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.

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

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 followed by speeches by dignitaries as a reminder of the day’s importance and significance.

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.

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 too can be a hero.

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, 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 and just take them for granted.

They are those everyday people in our midst 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.

Let’s emulate what they do, and when and wherever possible also lend a helping hand to the sick, distressed and vulnerable in society, provide comfort for those less fortunate than ourselves right there in our community.

– Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com

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