National Heroes Acre (Zimbabwe)

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National Heroes Acre or simply Heroes Acre is a burial ground in Harare, Zimbabwe for all Zimbabweans who have been declared a hero by the Government of Zimbabwe.

The 57 acre site is situated on a ridge seven kilometres from Harare along the main Harare-Bulawayo Road. The shrine is a national monument of Zimbabwe. The work was undertaken by the Government to commemorate those who fell in the struggle for national liberation and the contemporary and future sons and daughters of Zimbabwe whose dedication and commitment to the nation justify their burial at this sacred spot.

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[edit] Construction

The Government of Zimbabwe started work on the Heroes Acre in 1981, one year after Independence in Zimbabwe. The design and artwork used at the site was done by seven artists from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and ten Zimbabwean Artists.

Over 250 local workers were involved in the project at the height of construction. The black granite stone used for the main construction was quarried from Mutoko; a rural area situated about 140km Northeast of Harare. The Heroes Acre is protected under the Natural Resources Act.

[edit] Definition of a Hero

“ Those heroes subordinated their personal interests to the collective interest of Zimbabwe. They accepted and indured pain, suffering and brutality with fortitude even unto death. ”

[edit] National Hero Status

National Hero Status is the highest honour that can be conferred to an individual and the recipient is entitled to be buried at the National Heroes Acre. By 7 August 2001 47 heroes had been laid to rest at the National Shrine.

[edit] Features

[edit] The Statue of the Unknown Soldier

The Statue of the Unknown Soldier commemorated the many Zimbabweans who died in the liberation war. The statue is bronze sculptured and consists of three figures, one woman and two men, a flagpole with the Zimbabwe National Flag and tomb for the Unknown Soldier.

[edit] The Eternal Flame

The Eternal Flame sits on a 40 metre high tower. It was lit at Independence celebrations and depicts the spirit of Independence. The tower is the highest point of the acre and can be seen from parts of Harare. This tower, built at the top of the southern hill is accessible through a flight of stairs extending from the foot of the hill.

[edit] Notable Heroes