Photo: President António Agustinho Neto, Rob Mieremet / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

What would our lives be like without those who sacrificed everything for our well-being? While Hollywood may be filled with fictional heroes saving the day, Angola has several real-life legends who fought for their country’s freedom. One of those legends is António Agostinho Neto, the first president of Angola. He is a national hero who played a significant role in shaping the country’s national identity and leading the country to independence from Portugal. On September 17, the birth date of Neto, Angola observes National Heroes’ Day, a public holiday to celebrate their cultural heritage and honor his and other national heroes’ contributions to the country’s history and development.

Angola’s struggle for independence was a long and arduous one. Neto, born on September 17, 1922, was one of the youths involved in activities against the colonial government in Angola. He was jailed many times by the Portuguese authorities for his political stance. He spearheaded the protracted struggle to free Angola from Portuguese colonialism (1961-1974), which was achieved after more than a decade on November 11, 1975.

Neto became the country’s first president. However, he died four years later on September 10 in Moscow while undergoing surgery for cancer. A year later, in 1980, September 17 was declared a national holiday in his honor and all those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Angolan sovereignty.

The holiday is usually marked with official ceremonies and speeches by government officials, including the President of Angola. Some of these ceremonies are held at significant landmarks, such as the Agostinho Neto Memorial in Luanda, where wreaths are laid in his honor.

Schools and universities often organize activities to educate young people about the country’s history and the sacrifices made by its heroes. There are also various cultural events, including parades, music, and dance performances.

Commemorating National Heroes Day is important for several reasons. It is more than just a public holiday; it is a day to express deep respect and admiration for selfless heroes who sacrificed their all for freedom, justice, and a better future. The Angolan War of Independence (1961–1974) was a long and brutal conflict, with many losing their lives in the quest for freedom. This day is one of the ways to honor the memory of the many Angolans who lost their lives in the fight for independence. Everybody loves a hero! What better time to celebrate these heroes than on this special day?

Cidade Alta in Luanda, Angola. David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“A Nation That Forgets Its Past Has No Future” – Winston Churchill

It is important to remember the labors of our heroes past. The celebration of National Heroes’ Day allows the nation to reflect on the journey to freedom, which was paved with selflessness and sacrifice. It helps to preserve the memory of the struggle for independence, which did not come easy. By commemorating this day, Angola is ensuring the story of how it struggled for freedom is passed down so that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to achieve the rights and freedoms they enjoy today.

By celebrating National Heroes’ Day, the people of Angola can pass down the legacy of these heroes to future generations, inspiring them to continue the fight for justice and equality. It will also serve as an encouragement to Angola’s youth, many of whom were born after the war of independence and the civil conflict, to strive for greatness, stand up for what is right, protect the nation, and build a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.

National Heroes Day is more than just a public holiday. It ignites a flame of national pride and identity, reminding Angolans of their ancestors’ extraordinary achievements. Celebrating their heroes serves as an inspiration to reach new heights, knowing they come from a legacy of greatness. It is a powerful reminder that anyone can be a hero in their little corner. And I am not talking about the kind you find in movies and TV shows who wear capes and fly across the sky and tall buildings.

Another reason National Heroes Day remains vital is its role in fostering unity, as it provides a shared moment for all Angolans to come together, not minding political and ethnic differences, to celebrate their shared history. It is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy traditional Angolan cuisine and drinks while reflecting on the collective struggle for independence.

In a nation still recovering from the devastating impacts of war, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare, this day serves as a reminder for Angolans to build on the legacy of those who came before them. It is also a reminder that the fight for a better future is ongoing, and it requires the collective effort of all citizens.

As we celebrate National Heroes Day and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of our heroes past, let’s not forget: heroism isn’t a thing of the past. It’s a flame that must be constantly fueled. It’s a living force that shapes our world today. It is not always about grand gestures, but the little things that count. From small acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day to helping a stranger out, heroism can take many forms.