President Hakainde Hichilema this morning led Zambians, members of the diplomatic corps and defence chiefs in laying wreaths at the freedom statue in remembrance of the departed heroes and heroines who fought for Zambia’s independence.
This was the first wreath laying ceremony President Hichilema graced as republican Head of State after scoping the August 12, 2021 general elections.
The President arrived at the freedom statue at 09:20 hours local time and was received by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma.
The wreath laying ceremony was characterised with the playing of solanum music by the defence wings and preaching of God’s word.
President Hichilema, clad in a blue suite, white shirt and red necktie was the first to lay wreaths at the freedom statue, followed by Defence Chiefs and members of the diplomat corps.
Later a 21 gun salute was mounted by the Zambia Army Second battalion in honour of the fallen gallant freedom fighters.
Before departing for the Embassy memorial park where a similar event awaited him, President Hichilema took some time to interact with the members of the diplomatic corps, freedom fighters and residents who showed up for the wreath laying ceremony.
The wreath laying ceremony was held under the theme “Celebrating a New Dawn Anchored on Good Governance, National Unity and Development.”
And in delivering the homily to mark the 57th independence commemorations, Chaplain General in the Ministry of Defence Brig Gen Apostle Vincent Mwenya urged Zambians to strive to work hard for mother Zambia.
Apostle Mwenya emphasized on the need for the Zambians to be industrious and contribute to the prosperity of the country.
He encouraged citizens to reject all forms of idleness but rather to embrace hard work.
The Chaplain General cited dependence on handouts and laziness as some of the syndromes that must be rejected adding that if tolerated the country won’t go forward.
He called on Zambians to collectively work hard in order to attain economic emancipation for mother Zambia.
Very emotional day. He did a good job. Anderson and kk are watching proudly from above. My partner and I plan to visit zambia now that we have a mature and civilised government that ensures human rights for all regardless of colour, tribe, sexual orientation. I love my country. Happy independence
Asante sana Bwana HH for leading Zambia’s uhuru observance in solemn respect.
HEHH ,
Why have you not granted amnesty and freedom to some deserving prisoners ???
We now urgently need prison space for these PF theives , including lungu…..
Probation time is over Mr president…….
The streets want justice………
If the president brought back some of the millions he stashed in the Caribbean, we would create a few more jobs.
I hope he has forgiven himself for all those boycotts when he was in opposition. It’s lonely at the top bwana. You need the opposition to maintain your sanity.
But those uniforms look like costumes from the Shaka Zulu movie. They look like yes bwanas instead of having that fear factor. Please commission some designers to change these colonial looking outfits and create jobs for the youths.