Vice President calls for unity and remembrance at Cassinga Day vigil
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At a solemn vigil marking Cassinga Day, Vice President Lucia Witbooi delivered a poignant address, urging Namibians to embrace unity and to deeply remember the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle. The annual commemoration of Cassinga Day serves as a critical reminder of the tragic events of May 4, 1978, when the Cassinga refugee camp in southern Angola was subjected to a brutal aerial and ground attack by South African forces during the apartheid era. This devastating raid resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Namibian civilians and PLAN fighters, many of whom were women and children. Vice President Witbooi emphasized that the spirit of unity that characterized the liberation struggle must be preserved and strengthened in contemporary Namibia. She highlighted the importance of upholding the core values that motivated the fighters for freedom – selflessness, resilience, and a shared vision for a sovereign and just nation. In her call for recommitment, the Vice President urged citizens to actively contribute to nation-building, to foster social cohesion, and to work towards a future where the sacrifices of the past are honored through tangible progress and equitable development for all Namibians. The vigil, likely held at a significant memorial site, provided a space for reflection, remembrance, and a renewed dedication to the ideals of freedom and self-determination. It is a day that transcends political divides, uniting the nation in a shared history of struggle and a collective aspiration for a brighter future. The Vice President's message underscored the enduring relevance of the liberation struggle in shaping Namibia's identity and its ongoing journey towards national development. It served as a powerful reminder that the peace and stability enjoyed today were hard-won and require continuous vigilance and collective effort to maintain and build upon. The call for unity is particularly significant in a diverse nation like Namibia, where fostering understanding and solidarity among different ethnic groups and communities is paramount for sustainable peace and progress. The act of remembrance is not merely an acknowledgement of past atrocities but a commitment to learning from history and ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.
Source:
Informanté