By Staff Reporter

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called upon Malawians to embrace Martyrs’ Day as a day of gratitude instead of sorrow, saying the death of the martyrs brought freedom to the country and built the nation.

The President made these remarks today at Nkhata Bay District Hospital Ground during the commemoration of Martyrs’ Day, which was held under the theme “Remembering Our Heroes: Upholding Their Legacy Through Unity and Progress”.

Chakwera said time has come for the wounds of the nation to heal from what happened in 1959, by among other things, ensuring members of the bereaved families receive the necessary compensation.

“Such a death has every reason to be remembered with joy. By dying for our freedom, our forefathers gave us an example of what it takes to be a good citizen. They showed us that a good citizen uses the resources they have to fight for their country,” he said.

Chakwera then rebuked unpatriotic Malawians who he said allow people from other countries to talk down on Malawians, saying our warmth as a nation need not to be taken for granted.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Vuwa Kaunda thanked the President for the humbleness he demonstrates, saying it enables people from opposition parties to feel free to express themselves in national functions.

“This is the fourth time you are honouring us here in Nkhata Bay and we don’t take it for granted.

“I want to use this opportunity to ask you for more police houses here in Nkhata Bay and also for the construction of a hospital at Thotho area which is 20 kilometres from here,” said Kaunda.

In his remarks, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda said the establishment of mega farms in different districts of the country including Nkhata Bay to ensure food security in the country, is a true demonstration of the freedom the Martyr’s died for.

“Freedom is meaningless when there is hunger in the country. We therefore would like to thank the President for the establishment of Mega Farms. What is happening here in Nkhata Bay concerns the whole country.

Another crucial aspect to note is that previously, the bereaved families used to reject political parties at this event as they were inciting violence. However, Tonse Alliance has demonstrated unity as this event has been held peacefully since the President came into office,” said Chimwendo Banda.

Representative of the Bereaved Family, James Thawi said the presence of both the President and Leader of Opposition in Parliament at the event was proof of President Lazarus Chakwera’s servant leadership which seeks to unite all Malawians regardless of political affiliation.

“This is a good thing which demonstrates your servant leadership. I ask you to work together for the betterment of our nation. I also thank you for laying wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes,” said Thawi.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Nkumbira thanked the President for gracing the occassion, but was quick to call upon the President to come to the aid of Nkhata Bay District Hospital which lacks medication.