BY: Julia Heita, Justicia Shipena and Maria Hamutenya
President Hage Geingob has paid tribute to victims that succumbed to COVID-19 in a statement commemorating Heroes’ Day earlier today.
Geingob said that over the past several months, almost every week he had to confer either an official, state or heroes funeral for the veterans on Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“This is something we have never seen before, it has been a heart-wrenching experience, writing messages of condolences to spouses and families of deceased veterans.”
Geingob said this has been the most painful to see so many of Namibia’s veterans losing their lives to COVID-19 and alongside these deaths the country has lost wealth of experience, expertise and stories that could enrich the country’s history and preserve the memory of the struggle for independence.
Geingob called for Namibians to commit to building a remarkable legacy for the country. He said the country has suffered untold losses due to the current pandemic.
“We have lost mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, war veterans, spiritual leaders, traditional leaders, business, public and community personalities. Our country has lost some of its best brains, productive citizens and nation-builders,” he expressed.
Geingob lauded that the Covid-19 pandemic has left vacuum which must be filled, as Namibia heals from the devastating catastrophe.
“As we do so, let us draw inspiration from our heroes of the liberation struggle and emulate their passion, courage, patriotism and gallantry,” he said.
Furthermore, Geingob extended his honours towards the modern-day heroes who held the frontline in the war against Covid-19.
“I speak of our courageous health care workers, law enforcement agencies and public officials, who since the onset of the coronavirus, have risked their lives daily on the frontlines of this deadly pandemic,” said Geingob
He added that despite the challenges that are faced, they continued to work for the well-being of the citizens, the protection of the communities, and the advancement of the nation.
“Your sacrifices are appreciated, your sacrifices are invaluable, your sacrifices represent a bulwark which continues to safeguard the territorial integrity and future of the Republic of Namibia,”
“Namibia salutes the patriotism, commitment and sacrifice,” he concluded.
