National Heroes’ Day ― Date, History, and Details
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History of National Heroes’ Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
National Heroes’ Day is celebrated every year in Jamaica on the third Monday in October. The day was established in 1966 to honour those who fought for Jamaica’s independence from British rule. National Heroes’ Day is also a public holiday, so many businesses and schools are closed on this day. A national holiday is a day when people are free to celebrate their country’s history and culture.
There are seven national heroes of Jamaica: Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Norman Manley, Alexander Bustamante, Sam Sharpe, and Nanny of the Maroons. Each hero has a special place in Jamaican history and culture. Marcus Garvey was an African-American who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). He promoted black pride and advocated for the economic, social, and political advancement of black people. Paul Bogle was a Baptist deacon who led the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865. The rebellion was a protest against the unfair treatment of the poor by the colonial government. George William Gordon was a wealthy landowner and member of the House of Assembly. He was executed for his involvement in the Morant Bay Rebellion. Norman Manley was a lawyer and politician who served as Jamaica’s first Prime Minister. He was a champion of the working class and helped to draft Jamaica’s Constitution. Alexander Bustamante was a trade unionist and politician who served as Jamaica’s second Prime Minister. He was a strong advocate for Jamaican workers and helped to improve working conditions and wages. Sam Sharpe was a slave who led the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, also known as the Baptist War. The rebellion was a protest against the harsh conditions and treatment of slaves. Nanny of the Maroons was the leader of the Maroons, a group of escaped slaves who fought against the British colonial government.
National Heroes’ Day is a day to remember and honour the sacrifices made by Jamaica’s national heroes. It is also a day to celebrate Jamaican history and culture.