The main event, held at the iconic National Heroes Acre in Harare, was led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, while parallel commemorative events took place in provincial capitals across the nation.

Heroes Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring the freedom fighters who lost their lives in the struggle against colonial rule, as well as paying tribute to post-independence heroes who have contributed significantly to various sectors and displayed remarkable heroism in their communities.

Dignitaries and Citizens Converge at the National Shrine

The National Heroes Acre in Harare was a hive of activity from early morning as dignitaries and citizens gathered for the main ceremony. Cabinet ministers, senior security officers, and members of the diplomatic corps began arriving early, followed by thousands of Zimbabweans from across the country, including 223 families of departed national heroes and heroines.

Zimbabwe Unites to Commemorate Heroes Day: A Nation in Remembrance

The arrival of the Service Chiefs, led by Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, signaled the formal start of the military proceedings. Vice Presidents Dr. Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, along with Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, arrived shortly after, taking their seats at the high table.

The official program commenced with the arrival of President Mnangagwa, accompanied by the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. As a liberation veteran himself, the President led the day's commemorations, beginning with an inspection of the guard of honour, which was followed by a military flypast and a gun salute. The President then paid his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before delivering his keynote address.

A Celebration of Heroism: Medals and Honours Bestowed

A key part of the ceremony was the official honouring of several distinguished individuals for their heroic contributions:

• Professor Vladimir Gennadyevich Shubin, a long-time ally during the liberation struggle and a former Soviet official, was awarded the Zimbabwe International Friendship Award.
• Teenager Inasem Chitutu from Bindura received the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe for her courageous act of rescuing two children from a burning house.
• Dr. Madeline Nyamwanza, the nation’s first female African medical doctor, was posthumously honoured with the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award for Service in Human Capital Development for her pioneering contributions to health and education.

Additionally, the President presented national flags to the families of four individuals posthumously declared National Heroes: Cde Benjamin Burombo, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Lameck Francisco Mutanda, Cde John Mbedzi, and Cde Jairos Jiri.

A Vibrant and Patriotic Atmosphere

Before the official proceedings, a lively lineup of performers entertained the large crowd. Artists including Sulumani Chimbetu and Sasha Maduve, along with the police band and various choirs, thrilled attendees with revolutionary and Chimurenga tunes, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere with energetic dances in the terraces.

Provincial Commemorations: A Nation United in Remembrance

The spirit of remembrance was mirrored across the country as thousands gathered at provincial heroes' acres.

• In Bulawayo, scores of people, including civil servants, youth, and families of fallen heroes, converged at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre to pay their respects. The event was set to be presided over by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube.
• In Gwanda, hundreds gathered at the Matabeleland South Provincial Heroes Acre, where Minister of State Cde Albert Nguluvhe was set to preside. The provincial shrine had undergone a facelift ahead of the commemorations, including the drilling of a borehole and rehabilitation of facilities.
• In Gweru, the Midlands Provincial Heroes Day commemorations also saw hundreds in attendance, including senior ZANU-PF officials and the city's mayor, Clr Martin Chivhoko.

The large turnouts across all provinces served as a powerful testament to the day's significance, demonstrating a collective desire to honour the sacrifices made for the nation's freedom and to celebrate the lives of Zimbabwe's heroes and heroines.