‘Honouring our heroes’

DODOMA: MILITARY bugles echoed across the Heroes’ Grounds at Mtumba, Dodoma, yesterday as President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, led the nation in paying tribute to men and women whose sacrifices secured Tanzania’s freedom, defended its sovereignty and laid the foundation for the peace the country enjoys today.

In a message shared later on her social media platforms, President Samia urged Tanzanians to protect the values inherited from national heroes by preserving peace, unity and working hard to build a prosperous Tanzania for present and future generations.

“As we remember our heroes, let us continue protecting the values they left behind by maintaining peace, unity and working hard to build a developed and prosperous Tanzania for the benefit of current and future generations,” she wrote.

The President described Heroes’ Day as a special occasion to remember and honour all those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence and in defending the nation’s peace.

“Through their courage, patriotism and selflessness, they left us a strong foundation of freedom, peace, unity and solidarity that we continue to cherish today,” she said.

The national commemoration in Dodoma brought together senior government leaders, diplomats, retired military officers, religious leaders and citizens to honour generations of heroes whose bravery and dedication continue to inspire the nation.

One after another, distinguished leaders arrived at the Heroes’ Grounds under full military honours, each receiving a Guard of Honour that reflected the dignity and importance of the national occasion.

Former Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango was among the first leaders to arrive, followed by former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Jacob Mkunda, Zanzibar Second VicePresident Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and VicePresident Emmanuel Nchimbi.

The atmosphere reached its peak when President Samia, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, arrived to receive the ceremonial salute, officially marking the beginning of the national tribute.

The ceremony featured rich military traditions and symbolism, beginning with the playing of the National Anthem and the East African Community Anthem, followed by the haunting sound of the Last Post by military buglers. As soldiers lowered their rifles in mourning, silence fell across the grounds for one minute in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives for the nation.

The silence was followed by the firing of two artillery guns before the Reveille was sounded, symbolising remembrance, hope and the enduring legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Tanzania.

In keeping with Tanzanian tradition, President Samia laid a spear and shield at the Heroes Monument, representing courage, defence and national pride.

General Mkunda followed by laying a ceremonial sword, while Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Burundi Ambassador Léontine Nzeyimana placed a wreath in honour of the fallen heroes.

Dodoma City Mayor Alimwoni Chaula laid a bow and arrows, while retired Brigadier General Wilfred Kabunda, representing the nation’s heroes, presented an axe as a symbol of the bravery and contribution of Tanzania’s sons and daughters.

Leaders from different religious denominations later offered prayers for the departed heroes and sought divine blessings for Tanzania’s continued peace, unity and development.

Speaking after the ceremony, retired Brigadier General Kabunda urged young Tanzanians to safeguard peace achieved through the sacrifices of past generations.

“We have only one Tanzania. Young people must love this country and protect its peace with all their strength,” he said.

Recalling the 1978–79 Kagera War, Brig Gen Kabunda said Tanzania’s victory against the forces of former Ugandan leader Idi Amin was achieved through patriotism, unity and collective sacrifice among Tanzanians. “Every Tanzanian stood behind the war effort. Everyone made sacrifices and that national unity gave us the courage and determination to defend our country,” he said.

Those attending the commemorations included Chief Justice George Masaju, Zanzibar Chief Justice Khamis Ramadhan Abdallah, Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo, Speaker of the Zanzibar House of Representatives Zubeir Ali Maulid, Cabinet ministers, diplomats and senior government officials.

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The celebrations were preceded by the lighting of the Heroes Torch at the same venue shortly after midnight by Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule.

The torch is expected to be extinguished by Dodoma City Mayor Alimwoni Chaula at midnight today.

Observed annually on July 25, Heroes’ Day honours Tanzanians who fought for independence, defended the country’s sovereignty and contributed to nation-building, including those who lost their lives during the 1978–79 Kagera War against forces of former Ugandan leader Idi Amin.