Africa Freedom Day: “We Honour the Fallen Heroes” — President Hichilema Leads Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Zambia
File Source: 📸 The Zambia Air Force
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on Africa Freedom Day paid solemn tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the continent. The President led a symbolic wreath-laying ceremony at the iconic Freedom Statue in Lusaka, a historic site dedicated to the memory of Africa’s freedom fighters.
“We honour the fallen heroes who laid down their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom and dignity we have today,” President Hichilema said during the ceremony, reinforcing the significance of the day to the Zambian people and Africa at large.
“This is not just a commemoration, it is a renewal of our commitment to unity, peace, and continued liberation from poverty and injustice,” he added.
Surrounded by government officials, veterans, and citizens, the President laid a wreath in front of the statue, standing in reflective silence to acknowledge the cost of Africa’s freedom struggles.
What Africa Freedom Day Means
Africa Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 25 across the continent to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—now the African Union (AU)—in 1963. The day stands as a reminder of the efforts of African nations to liberate themselves from colonial rule and foreign domination. It also highlights the ongoing pursuit of economic independence, unity, and development.
In Zambia, the Freedom Statue where the ceremony took place holds deep historical and emotional value. It symbolizes the nation’s resistance to British colonial rule and the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence, including the late freedom fighters whose legacies are honoured every year on this day.
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