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Sharon Chigeza Mutare Correspondent

MANICALAND Province’s preparations for the 38th Heroes Day celebrations are gathering momentum as most logistics have been put in place.

The country remembers the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their life and limb to fight for the country’s independence on Monday next week.

Manicaland commemorations will be held at the provincial heroes’ acre.

Manicaland provincial administrator Mr Edgar Seenza yesterday said the steering committee had started on resource mobilisation.

“Preparations are at an advanced stage and by the end of this week everything will be in place. As usual, we expect Zimbabweans to come in their numbers to pay their respects to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for our independence,” he said.

Mr Seenza also said the organising teams had already been deployed and were reminding stakeholders of the upcoming event as people had been preoccupied with last week’s harmonised elections.

“A number of committees have been set up to handle the event’s logistics and are working tirelessly to remind people of next week’s celebrations as the general populace had been preoccupied with last week’s elections.

“The venue for the Heroes Day is Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre. The Defence Forces Day celebrations will be held at Sakubva Stadium the following day. We are looking forward to an exciting programme, which will be held under the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa,” said Mr Seenza.

He said the traditional custom of holding an overnight party at the burial site this year would not take place citing traditional ethos.

“In the past we would hold an overnight ‘bira’ in honour of the departed at the provincial shrine. However, Chief Zimunya, under whose jurisdiction the shrine falls, argued that traditional beliefs and customs did not allow for the holding of such ceremonies at the burial site, hence the event will not take place this year,” said Mr Seenza.

The national event will be held at the National Heroes Acre, while other celebrations would be held at various heroes’ acres in provinces and districts across the  country.