This Friday is Kenya’s Mashujaa Day- a day where we celebrate national heroes from great athletes to activists to independence warriors.

We observe our Mashujaa Day (previously Kenyatta Day) by conducting parades, awarding the Mashujaas and culminating in visiting heads of states speeches and the head of state.

Other countries also observe their Heroes’ Day in unique ways.

Namibia

Heroes’ Day is observed on August 26 to commemorate the attack of Namibian guerrilla fighters who were warring against South Africa’s armed wing out to maintain mandate to govern the South West African territory. It had been revoked by the United Nations.

Veterans of People’s Liberation Army of Namibia are remembered.

South Africa

This is October 10 which was originally used to celebrate a Boer resistance leader who defied British rule. It was changed from Kruger Day to Heroes’ Day.

Zambia

It is celebrated on every first Monday of July, honouring the citizens according to heroic status.

Angola

They celebrate a national hero and their first president Agostinho Neto every September 17.

Rwanda

February 1, the day begins by the head of state and other leaders laying floral wreaths at Heroes’ Cemetery in Remera, Kigali. It commemorates the victims and heroes of the 1994 genocide.

One such act of heroism that’s greatly recognised is the refusal of students of Nyange Secondary School refusing to identify members of the Tutsi tribe to rebels who killed them in cold blood.

Zimbabwe

Celebrated every second Monday of August. It commemorates the people who fought in the struggle of independence. In the capital, it is held at National Heroes’ Acre where slain heroes are buried.

Uganda

June 9 honours the soldiers who died in the 1981 civil war and those who fought for independence.