Defence Forces Day
Observed annually on the second Tuesday in August, Defence Forces Day is a public holiday in Zimbabwe. This holiday is observed on the day after Heroes’ Day and is a day that honors the armed forces of Zimbabwe. Because this is a landlocked country, it doesn’t have a navy, but it does have an active military with approximately 29,000 members in the Zimbabwe National Army and an additional 4,000 members in the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe (Public holiday)This is a holiday that’s observed with official ceremonies, including a flag-raising ceremony as well as various award ceremonies. It also happens to be a day off for the general public and a day when non-essential government offices and many businesses are closed.
The History Of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day
Heroes Day was created on the anniversary of the creation of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963. This was a military organization that fought against white minority rule in Rhodesia and was formed as a split from the Zimbabwe Africa People’s Union (ZAPU). In 1980, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) was created. Defense Forces Day was created as a supplementary holiday to Heroes Day.
Observing Zimbabwe Defense Forces Day
This holiday is observed with the President of the country inspecting a parade of troops, and with special military parades all across the country. This is also a day when some troops will receive special awards for their service to their country. This is also a day off for the general population, so many people can attend these events. It’s also a day for Zimbabweans to spend time with their friends and families.
Zimbabwe (Public holiday)
