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Celebrating Heroes' Day in Namibia - August 26th

08/24/2009 11:04

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On the 26th of August (this wednesday) Namibian's will be celebrating Heroes' Day (also known as Namibia Day). This day commemorates many events in Namibian history, but particularly those Namibians who died for independence, especially during the Namibian War of Independence. National celebrations take place yearly in the town of Eenhana. Hundreds of people will gather to watch leaders such as Hifikepunye Pohamba, Sam Nujoma and Nahas Angula officially commemorate veterans of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia. Likewise, honours, such as military medals, are handed out on the day.

Each year, thousands of Herero people converge on the town of Okahandja on 26 August to honor the Herero chief Samuel Maharero and his post-mortem return and reburial in the town in 1923. It is considered "a gesture of defiance and a symbol of regained pride" for the Hereros following the Herero and Namaqua Genocide. Herero people will march in military formations and wear traditional clothing at the event. Find out more about African holidays by Clicking Here.