HARARE, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at the National Heroes Acre in the capital, Harare, on Monday to celebrate the 46th Heroes Day, honoring liberation war fighters who fought against British colonial rule.
Presiding over the main celebrations, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa called on citizens to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of fallen veterans to build a modern and prosperous country.
"As we carry on their legacy of fortitude, gallantry and patriotism, let us be aware that freedom, independence and sovereignty are not free but require ongoing care, vigilance and diligent stewardship," Mnangagwa said.
He said Zimbabwe will remain forever indebted to the fallen heroes and heroines for their contributions to national liberation and development, noting that the current generation bears the collective responsibility to preserve the country's rich environmental endowments for future generations.
To consolidate the gains of the liberation struggle, Zimbabwe is shifting from exporting raw materials to local value addition, industrialization, and manufacturing to drive economic growth and job creation, Mnangagwa said.
Heroes Day is observed annually on the second Monday of August in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe attained its independence from Britain in 1980 following a liberation struggle in which many veterans lost their lives.
