Namibia Heroes’ Acre Monument

Thirteen years after independence, the Heroes’ Acre was completed, giving tangible shape to Namibia’s newfound self-expression as a free nation. It was built over a period of 13 months between 2001 and 2002 and was inaugurated during a festive occasion on Heroes’ Day, August 26 2002.

The former and founding president of the Republic of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, conceived the idea of a Heroes’ Acre in 1997 while attending an OAU summit in Harare, Zimbabwe. Visiting Heroes’ Acre, one passes through a rectangular, arched gateway and is welcomed by bronze figures of two women bearing bouquets of flowers.

After parking your car, you pass a fountain with rough stone sculpture of a young couple representing youth. The fountain with its cleansing and soothing qualities symbolises freedom after a long and bitter struggle. The youth look into the direction of the buried heroes and heroines laid to rest at the Acre itself. From a pavilion at the top of the hillock visitors can enjoy a panoramic view over Windhoek, the Khomas Hochland Mountains to the west and Eros mountains to the east. Heroes Acre has been laid out as a symmetrical polygon, with a public seating area that can accommodate up to 5 000 people. White Mable and black granite from Karibib (situated on the edge of the Namib Desert) were used to clad the concrete structures.

The Eternal Flame symbolises life and commemorates Namibia’s fallen heroes and Heroines. The Heroes’ Medal of Bravery is dedicated to all Namibians who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and sovereignty of Namibia. An 8 m high statue of a soldier in full combat gear represents the Unknown Soldiers. At the foot of the statue are words from the inauguration speech by President Nujoma, cast out in golden letters: “Glory to the fallen Heroes and Heroines of our Motherland, Namibia . Sam Nujoma, 26 August, 2002”.

A symbolic grave dedicated to the Unknown Soldier lies below the statue. It contains soil from the mass grave at Cassinga (Angola) and Oshatotwa (Zambia), a memorial to al Namibians who died during the liberation war.

Next to this is a 30 m high obelisk which is visible from the capital. The obelisk is the tallest feature on the site and represents a sword symbolising strength, bravery and dedication. A curved bronze relief behind the obelisk tells the story of Namibia, leading up to independence. It depicts five stages of the epic journey towards independence: awakening of the independence ideal, political mobilisation of the masses, the start of the armed struggle, intensification of the struggle and finally the achievement of independence itself as depicted by a flag bearing soldier marching at the head of a column of male and female soldiers.

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