What does Heroes Day mean?
TODAY June 9 marks Heros Day. It is a day that comes on the heels of Martyrs Day which transforms the month of June into a time for reflection and self-examination. It is a time that invokes three words—conviction, courage and self-sacrifice.
TODAY June 9 marks Heros Day. It is a day that comes on the heels of Martyrs Day which transforms the month of June into a time for reflection and self-examination. It is a time that invokes three words—conviction, courage and self-sacrifice.
Today, heros come in different shapes and forms, some are parents, others are musicians, while others are persons that have sacrificed for the good of humanity. The focus of this discussion is on the last category.
A hero (heroine for females) in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion. Later, hero (male) and heroine came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity. This definition originally referred to martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.
Indeed, over time, heroes and heroines have risked their own lives to save nations and people from destruction. Stories about heroes and heroines are passed on from generation to generation. One such story is that of Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes chose to be his queen. When Haman plotted to murder all the Jews, Queen Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, persuaded Esther, to try to save her people. Risking her own life, she appealed to the king and rescued the Jews. This exciting story of the Jews is celebrated annually during the Feast of Purim, at which time the book of Esther (in the Bible) is read out loud.
On June 9, Uganda will mark the 22nd Heroes’ Day Anniversary at Kabalungi Ward, in Lwengo district. The Heroes that Uganda celebrates are many. Of particular importance in our recent history are the gallant women and men who sacrificed their lives in the late '70s and early '80s in order to reclaim our freedom and liberty. I vividly remember the early '70s through a child’s eyes. The times were filled with suspicion, apprehension and fear.
On a personal note, the saddest day of those times was when some Ugandans were killed by firing squad in the local stadium. Some of these were relatives and fathers of my friends. This incident left an indelible mark on my soul, that is when I knew that no one, not a single person was safe. At that time, it seemed as if we, as a nation, were doomed. Then we heard whispers about the men who had been killed by liberation fighters and some hope was rekindled.
One day after a long period of fighting, we saw the liberators young and old, women and men wearing tattered clothes walking on the streets of Kampala! I always remember the women with children strapped on their backs carrying AK-47 rifles. I am still convinced that there could be no braver soldier than such a woman!
The courage and bravery shown by Ugandans was handed down by our forefathers such as Omukama Kabalega, the king of Bunyoro-Kitara who, towards the close of the 19th century, made it impossible for the British to colonize his kingdom. Although, Kabalega was eventually conquered by the colonial powers and exiled in the Seychelles, he had set a precedence of resistance. He indeed set the stage for later heroes like I. K. Musaazi who spearheaded the struggle for self-government and independence. Questions arise as to why some people chose to take on such dangerous and sacrificial acts.
The qualities of a hero or heroine are several and include:
-Sacrifice— the forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.
-Determination— a fixed intention or resolution; a firmness of purpose or resolve.
-Loyalty —the feeling of allegiance or the act of binding oneself to a course of action.
-Valour and courage which is firmness of spirit which meets danger without fear.
-Dedication—selfless devotion; complete and wholehearted fidelity or the act of binding oneself to a course of action.
-Intrepidity—firm, unshaken courage.
-Selflessness— a quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others and acting with less concern for oneself.
-Conviction—a fixed or strong belief; a necessity of the mind or an unshakable belief.
-Focused —the ability to direct one's energy toward a particular point or purpose; to concentrate one's energy.
-Gallantry— adventurous courage, which courts danger with a high and cheerful spirit.
-Perseverance — persistent determination.
-Fortitude—encountering danger and enduring pain with a steadfast and unbroken spirit.
-Bravery—daring and impetuous courage, like that of one who has the reward continually in view, and displays his courage in daring acts.
Heroes and heroines who we remember on June 9 fought for a free; better Uganda, a richer country with richer citizens, more educated citizens living healthier lives with better protection of life and property.
Some of the remarkable achievements include security which is the cornerstone of development in all other sectors. Uganda has total and unprecedented security, thanks to the UPDF, a truly patriotic professional and disciplined force.
In order to sustain and accelerate the already initiated transformation, every Ugandan must play his or her part. sThe heroes whose 22nd anniversary we mark this year were inspired by love for their country –patriotism. Let us immortalise our heroes by being true patriots. As J. F. Kennedy said, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
Today, heros come in different shapes and forms, some are parents, others are musicians, while others are persons that have sacrificed for the good of humanity. The focus of this discussion is on the last category.
A hero (heroine for females) in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion. Later, hero (male) and heroine came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity. This definition originally referred to martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.
Indeed, over time, heroes and heroines have risked their own lives to save nations and people from destruction. Stories about heroes and heroines are passed on from generation to generation. One such story is that of Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes chose to be his queen. When Haman plotted to murder all the Jews, Queen Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, persuaded Esther, to try to save her people. Risking her own life, she appealed to the king and rescued the Jews. This exciting story of the Jews is celebrated annually during the Feast of Purim, at which time the book of Esther (in the Bible) is read out loud.
On June 9, Uganda will mark the 22nd Heroes’ Day Anniversary at Kabalungi Ward, in Lwengo district. The Heroes that Uganda celebrates are many. Of particular importance in our recent history are the gallant women and men who sacrificed their lives in the late '70s and early '80s in order to reclaim our freedom and liberty. I vividly remember the early '70s through a child’s eyes. The times were filled with suspicion, apprehension and fear.
On a personal note, the saddest day of those times was when some Ugandans were killed by firing squad in the local stadium. Some of these were relatives and fathers of my friends. This incident left an indelible mark on my soul, that is when I knew that no one, not a single person was safe. At that time, it seemed as if we, as a nation, were doomed. Then we heard whispers about the men who had been killed by liberation fighters and some hope was rekindled.
One day after a long period of fighting, we saw the liberators young and old, women and men wearing tattered clothes walking on the streets of Kampala! I always remember the women with children strapped on their backs carrying AK-47 rifles. I am still convinced that there could be no braver soldier than such a woman!
The courage and bravery shown by Ugandans was handed down by our forefathers such as Omukama Kabalega, the king of Bunyoro-Kitara who, towards the close of the 19th century, made it impossible for the British to colonize his kingdom. Although, Kabalega was eventually conquered by the colonial powers and exiled in the Seychelles, he had set a precedence of resistance. He indeed set the stage for later heroes like I. K. Musaazi who spearheaded the struggle for self-government and independence. Questions arise as to why some people chose to take on such dangerous and sacrificial acts.
The qualities of a hero or heroine are several and include:
-Sacrifice— the forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.
-Determination— a fixed intention or resolution; a firmness of purpose or resolve.
-Loyalty —the feeling of allegiance or the act of binding oneself to a course of action.
-Valour and courage which is firmness of spirit which meets danger without fear.
-Dedication—selfless devotion; complete and wholehearted fidelity or the act of binding oneself to a course of action.
-Intrepidity—firm, unshaken courage.
-Selflessness— a quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others and acting with less concern for oneself.
-Conviction—a fixed or strong belief; a necessity of the mind or an unshakable belief.
-Focused —the ability to direct one's energy toward a particular point or purpose; to concentrate one's energy.
-Gallantry— adventurous courage, which courts danger with a high and cheerful spirit.
-Perseverance — persistent determination.
-Fortitude—encountering danger and enduring pain with a steadfast and unbroken spirit.
-Bravery—daring and impetuous courage, like that of one who has the reward continually in view, and displays his courage in daring acts.
Heroes and heroines who we remember on June 9 fought for a free; better Uganda, a richer country with richer citizens, more educated citizens living healthier lives with better protection of life and property.
Some of the remarkable achievements include security which is the cornerstone of development in all other sectors. Uganda has total and unprecedented security, thanks to the UPDF, a truly patriotic professional and disciplined force.
In order to sustain and accelerate the already initiated transformation, every Ugandan must play his or her part. sThe heroes whose 22nd anniversary we mark this year were inspired by love for their country –patriotism. Let us immortalise our heroes by being true patriots. As J. F. Kennedy said, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.