On Heroes’ Day, recall greatness, honour legacy

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As we celebrate National Heroes’ Day today, one might be asking: What does it take to become a hero? Is it the boldness to face impossible odds or the quiet determination to leave behind a better world than the one you inherited? For Jamaica, our heroes didn’t just change history; they rewrote the story of who we are.

First celebrated in 1969, Heroes’ Day serves as a reminder of the monumental contributions of Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, Nanny of the Maroons, George William Gordon, Sam Sharpe, Sir Alexander Bustamante, and Norman Manley. But who were these heroes beyond the statues and school lessons? Think of them as visionaries who stood strong in challenging times. They weren’t just fighting for independence; they were fighting for a future where every Jamaican could stand proudly, without chains, without fear, with nothing but the horizon ahead.

Burning Spear expressed it well in his song, reminding us to remember the great men who fought for our rights. Our freedom wasn’t handed over on a silver platter. It was fought for, inch by inch, battle by battle. But now, as we reflect, we must ponder. How have we utilised this hard-earned freedom? Have we honoured the sacrifice by building a nation where justice, equity, and opportunity are more than just dreams? Or are we allowing the torch to flicker and fade?

While our national heroes laid the groundwork, the journey they began continues today. The baton is in our hands now. Their courage from the past challenges us, to rise above mediocrity, to push ourselves further, and to create a society that upholds their legacy.

So, what does that imply for us today? It suggests that we must not merely relax and revel in their glory. The challenges we encounter may vary, but the imperative to act remains unchanged. Whether it involves fighting for equality, justice, or simply a better tomorrow, we must embody the same boldness as our heroes did. We must demand more from ourselves, from our leaders, from our institutions.

Here’s the essence of greatness. It’s not simply an award to be won; it’s a quest, a pursuit. Today, let’s not just reflect on the pas; we have to internalise it. Let’s allow it to ignite within us a burning desire to create a Jamaica that embodies all our heroes fought for. They’ve passed the torch to us. Now, it’s our responsibility to ensure it stays alight, guiding the way for future generations.

The question remains: Do we possess the courage to advance that flame with the same fearless determination? The story continues to unfold. And this chapter? It’s ours to define.

YASHEKA WALTERS-ELLIS