Grant Chisapa, the deputy permanent secretary for Muchinga Province, acknowledged the significant contributions of Zambian servicemen and women to the country's liberation struggle during a recent media interview. According to the Lusaka Times, Chisapa spoke at the 2026 Remembrance Day event located at the Chinsali Civic Centre Cenotaph. He described the freedom fighters and defence forces as pivotal in securing independence and maintaining the stability that citizens currently enjoy.
Chisapa argued that the values of patriotism, discipline, and courage demonstrated by military personnel remain essential for fostering national unity. He stated that these principles are critical for advancing the country's development agenda. In his remarks, Chisapa noted that the peace and unity enjoyed today resulted from the commitment of individuals who dedicated their lives to national service. He urged citizens of Muchinga Province to honour this legacy by promoting hard work and collective responsibility in their communities.
The deputy permanent secretary further emphasized that national development requires an environment characterized by peace and unity. He encouraged Zambians to emulate the principles championed by freedom fighters and to support government programmes designed to improve citizen welfare. According to the Lusaka Times, Chisapa viewed these efforts as necessary for accelerating development across the country.
Dickson Chanda, an 84-year-old former Zambia Air Force serviceman, also addressed the gathering. Chanda called for strengthened comradeship between veterans and citizens to preserve the ideals of the liberation era. He stated that veterans bear a responsibility to pass on values of sacrifice to younger generations. Chanda suggested that remembrance ceremonies serve as reminders to maintain the hard-won peace and civic values.
The ceremony included traditional elements such as wreath-laying, prayers, and a moment of silence. These observances honoured fallen servicemen and women who contributed to the attainment of independence and the preservation of national peace. The event underscored the continued relevance of military history in contemporary Zambian civic life.