The government is gearing up for the 2024 Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day celebrations. Heroes Day will be observed on August 12, 2024, at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, with simultaneous provincial commemorations. The Defence Forces Day will follow on August 13, 2024, at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, themed “Guaranteeing a Conducive Environment for Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Preparations are well advanced. There are currently 213 national heroes and heroines, with 198 buried at the National Heroes Acre. In the week leading up to the celebrations, from August 5 to 9, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will undertake Community Assistance Projects, which will be handed over to local communities. Additionally, they will conduct a week-long medical outreach, offering free consultations and treatment for minor ailments.
This year’s National Honours and Awards Conferment Ceremony will be integrated with the Heroes Day events due to scheduling conflicts. Moving forward, this ceremony will be held separately on May 14 each year. The 2024 awards will include:
- Royal Order of Munhumutapa: 1 person
- Order of the Star of Zimbabwe: 1 person
- Gold Cross of Zimbabwe: 2 individuals
- Silver Cross of Zimbabwe: 2 individuals
- Commendation Medal: 1 person
- Independence Medals: 2,000 Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and War Collaborators across the ten provinces
These awards recognize outstanding service and dedication to the nation.
