As Namibia celebrates its 55th Heroes Day to honour those who lost their lives in the struggle for the country’s independence, the nation ought to remember the Genocide victims of 1904-08.

Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani in a statement on Thursday said the country must never forget those who were methodically killed by Lothar Von Trotha as the first genocide of the 20th century still has a bearing on the present and for as long as atrocities committed go unresolved, it shall continue to have a bearing on the country’s future.

‘We must remain committed and unwavering in fighting for an honourable deal to improve the economic base of the descendants of the victims of atrocious acts committed from 1904 to 1908,’ he said.

The country, he said must come to a mutual agreement, one that offers fair compensation and tangible restorative justice to the descendants and one that ultimately closes one of the darkest chapters in Namibian history.

Venaani further said the country has celebrated the sons and daughters of Namibia who have laid down their lives in pursuit of freedom, equality and justice and whose sacrifices Namibians enjoy today.

‘We must never neglect to appreciate the price they paid for our liberties. Our heroes and heroines of the past have set a solid foundation for us to build the future of this country on. We ought to acknowledge their contributions towards nation-building and never allow them to be forgotten or threatened. Had it not been for their steadfastness and acts of valour, we would not be the free people that we are today, noted Venaani.

He further pointed out that the country must also celebrate the heroes of today, such as academics, athletes, artists and musicians, security forces, civil servants and most of all, the front-line workers who all contribute to making this country great. ‘They play a critical role in uniting a country divided by the worst global health crisis of recent times. Every day, countless men and women go to work, in the middle of a global pandemic and put their lives on the line. These individuals are modern-day heroes and heroines,’ added Venaani.

Source: Namibia Press Agency