National Heroes Day in Jamaica: A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
On National Heroes Day, Jamaicans celebrate the seven national heroes who fought for the country's independence and freedom. Learn about the history of this day and the heroes it honors.
Johnathan Henry
Jamaica's National Heroes Day is a day to remember and celebrate the nation's greatest heroes. This important day is celebrated annually on the third Monday of October.
The seven national heroes of Jamaica are Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, Sam Sharpe, Norman Manley, George William Gordon, Nanny of the Maroons, and Sir Alexander Bustamante. These individuals made significant contributions to Jamaica's independence, freedom, and development.
On National Heroes Day, Jamaicans participate in a variety of activities to honor their national heroes. These activities include parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and educational programs.
National Heroes Day is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made to create the Jamaica that we know and love today. It is also a day to inspire Jamaicans to continue to work towards a better future for their country.
Common Questions and Answers:
- What is Jamaica's National Heroes Day?
Jamaica's National Heroes Day is a public holiday that celebrates the country's seven national heroes.
- When is Jamaica's National Heroes Day?
Jamaica's National Heroes Day is celebrated annually on the third Monday of October.
- Who are Jamaica's national heroes?
Jamaica's seven national heroes are Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, Sam Sharpe, Norman Manley, George William Gordon, Nanny of the Maroons, and Sir Alexander Bustamante.
- Why is National Heroes Day important?
National Heroes Day is important because it is a day to remember and celebrate the sacrifices that were made to create the Jamaica that we know and love today. It is also a day to inspire Jamaicans to continue to work towards a better future for their country.
Declared as national heroes in 1969
- Paul Bogle, birth date uncertain – 1865. A Jamaican Baptist deacon and activist. He was a leader of the 1865 Morant Bay protesters, who marched for justice and fair treatment for all the people in Jamaica.
- Sir Alexander Bustmante, 1884-1977. A Jamaican politician and labour leader who in 1962 became the first prime minister of Jamaica.
- Marcus Garvey, 1887-1940, born in St. Ann. A proponent of Black nationalism in Jamaica and especially the United States.
- George William Gordon, 1815-1865. A wealthy Jamaican businessman, magistrate and politician, one of two representatives to the Assembly from St. Thomas-in-the-East Parish.
- Norman Washington Manley, 1893-1969. A Rhodes Scholar, Manley became one of Jamaica's leading lawyers in the 1920s.
Declared as national heroes in 1969
- Nanny. Queen Nanny or Nanny, Jamaican National Hero, was a well-known, 18th-century leader of the Jamaican Maroons.
- Samuel Sharpe, 1801-1832. An enslaved African Jamaican man who was the leader of the widespread 1832 Baptist War slave rebellion in Jamaica.
Jamaica is proud to pay tribute to our National Heroes whose legacies continue to inspire and empower us to build "Stronger Together."
