African identities
Good Morning Africa from Heroes’ Acre, Namibia
Built 10km south of Windhoek, the Heroes’ Acre is an official war memorial of the Republic of Namibia. The monument is a symbol of the spirit of patriotism and nationalism.
The Heroes’ Acre is a monument in Namibia, built to commemorate the country’s heroes, to foster the spirit of patriotism and nationalism and to pass the legacy to the future generations of Namibia.
Inaugurated in August 2002, the monument comes with six main features.
The Obelisk
Standing at 34m high, this is the main point of the monument. It honours the bravery, courage and perseverance of those who participated in the country’s liberation battle.
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The Unknown Soldiers
The statue is cast in bronze and represents the Namibians who died in the struggle for liberation. The 8m high soldier carries an AK47 rifle, which was used by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia. The solder also has a grenade in the right hand.
Beneath the soldier is a message from Namibia’s founding father Sam Nujoma —cast in hishandwritingg— saying ‘’Glory to the fallen Heroes and Heroines of the motherland Namibia! Sam Nujoma 26th August 2002′.
Heroes Acre [Photo: Wiki CC]
This serves as the symbolic resting place for the people who gave their lives in the liberation struggle. It bears soil samples taken from mass graves of freedom fighters from Angola, Namibia and Zambia.
Bronze Mural
The mural illustrates the struggle of Namibians. Viewed from left to right, the mural depicts four phases of the liberation struggle, from the fight with Imperial Germany to the raising of the Namibian flag on March 21, 1990.
Eternal Flame
The flame is a symbol of the freedom and ultimate sacrifice by Namibians for Namibia.
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The Graves
Heroes Acre features nine symbolic graves: Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, Kaptein Jacob Marenga, Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, Chief Samuel Maharero, Chief Nehale Iya Mpingana, Chief Mandume ya Ndemufayo, Chief Ipumbu ya Tshilongo, Chief Hosea Kutako, Mama Kakarakuze Mungunda.
There is also a provision for 170 resting places, some of which are occupied by Namibia’s national heroes.
John Pandeni’s gravesite at the national war memorial, Heroes Acre. [Photo: Wiki cc]