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Herald Reporters
President Mnangagwa yesterday led the laying of wreaths at the National Heroes Acre at a function conducted in strict adherence to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

Unlike the previous years where people would gather at the National Shrine and provincials shrines to remember the fallen gallant sons and daughters, this year’s celebration was done according to the World Health Organisation protocols that allow a maximum of 50 people at a gathering, and even then they must maintain social distance and wear masks to reduce the risk of infection.

First to lay the wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier was the President followed by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi and Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

The ceremony was witnessed by senior Government officials and service chiefs.

President Mnangagwa said the country was commemorating its independence and sovereignty, which came after an armed struggle that claimed many lives.

“Some are buried in known graves, with established shrines: some lie in unknown graves. In remembrance of those who paid the supreme sacrifice, we built this shrine so that generation after generation of our people will come here to remember the journey which our people travelled to achieve independence.

“Today we have scaled down from normal ceremonies which we performed because of the Covid-19 pandemic which requires us to observe WHO guidelines that include social distance, wearing of masks, sanitisation. As Zimbabwe, we have said we do not need any gatherings. We banned gatherings in excess of 50. I believe that our people countrywide understand the circumstances under which we celebrated this holiday in this way,” he said.

A few kilometres down the road families of fallen heroes who were interred at Harare Provincial Heroes Acre were placing flowers on the graves of their loved ones.

The families, who were also adhering to the WHO guidelines, said the day always allows them to reflect and cherish the role played by their loved ones in the liberation struggle.

Mrs Evelyn Mutema, the widow of Cde Obadiah Muchineripi, said Heroes Day was important to her as it always brings memories of the sacrifices that her husband made for the nation.

“I am proud that my husband fought in the war of liberation. It means a lot to me. When he went to war, I thought he had gone to Wenera. He came back with broken legs. I feel that we should honour the freedom fighters,” she said.

Mrs Babra Chikuni Mandiringa said it was important that Zimbabweans remember those who fought to liberate the country.

“We are what we are today because of the freedom fighters’ sacrifices. We should also teach our children even of those fallen comrades about the history of the country and also the contribution of their parents towards the liberation of the country,” she said.

Mr Marlon Donzva brought his two sons to see where their grandmother is buried.

“I brought my two sons so that they know the important part that their grandmother played during the liberation struggle. They did not see her, but I had to bring them so they appreciate what she did for the nation,” he said.

In Bulawayo families of the fallen heroes spruced up graves and laid flowers at the provincial shrine in memory of their lost relatives while others conducted graveside rituals.

These families immediately left the shrine after conducting their business. They said despite the Government suspending official events, they could not just let the day pass without paying respects to the fallen heroes.

Some of them said Heroes Day comes with a sense of pride that their fathers, mothers, husbands and wives were part of the group which participated in the protracted struggle that brought the country’s independence.

In Mashonaland West, the Minister of State, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, said Covid-19 had affected the traditional norm of gathering, celebrating and remembering the lives of the fallen heroes.

“Here in Mashonaland West is where the torch of the Second Chimurenga was lit, and we lost seven of our gallant sons who stood up to white minority rule.

“As a province, we want to ensure that we complete what they started.

“We want to ensure that we reach and grow our nation to be the land of peace, unity and development guided by the spirit of both fallen and living heroes,” she said.

At Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre, which is on the site where the Seven Heroes were killed after heavy gun fire with the Rhodesian forces in 1966, the heroes interred there include prominent musician Simon Chimbetu, who was laid to rest in August 2005.

The Covid-19 lockdown also did little to deter the family members from visiting the shrine.

Robson Chipunza Jnr, son to the late former provincial security secretary and liberation hero Cde Robson Chipunza visited the shrine with his siblings, said the day is a reminder of his father’s sacrifices.

“We are happy about the day because it reminds us of what our father did to the liberate the nation. Government is doing its best in the upkeep of the shrine,” he said.

“Upgrades should be made especially on the terrace and sheds so that during burials and public functions, people are not rain-soaked or sun burnt,” he added.

At Marondera provincial Heroes’ Acre only two family members were allowed at each grave under Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

“We are commemorating our heroes under new conditions, however we managed to put flowers and clean the graves of our loved ones,” Mr Tendai Mazvidza.

In Kariba, there was low activity but people said the Covid-19 pandemic does not diminish the significance of the holiday.