LUSAKA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Friday held activities to mark Kenneth Kaunda Day, a public holiday dedicated to remembering the country's founding President Kenneth Kaunda.
Kaunda led Zambia's independence struggle and served as the first president of the country from 1964 to 1991. He died on June 17, 2021, at the age of 97.
The government declared April 28, his birthday, a public holiday in his honor. The theme for this year's commemoration is "Kenneth Kaunda: the Unifier."
The activities in the capital Lusaka started with a marathon in the early hours and was later followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Kaunda's tomb at the presidential burial site, Embassy Park. Other activities included an exhibition at the Lusaka National Museum as well as a football tournament at the National Heroes Stadium.
And in remarks delivered at the wreath-laying ceremony, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango said Kaunda will be remembered for laying a solid foundation of peace and unity in the country, which the current generation should cherish and protect.
"People wonder how Zambia with 72 tribes we have managed to remain peaceful. It is because of the firm foundation; the foundation was strong. Kaunda and his colleagues endorse that as the heart, spirit, and soul of Zambia," she said.
She said the current and future generations must build on the principles left by Kaunda, adding that the current government was committed to building on the former president's principles.
"The spirit of peace and unity must run through us, through our souls, so that we can build properly on the foundation that was laid by the great man we remember here," she added.
Patrick Kangwa, secretary to the cabinet, said members of the public should use the day to reflect on the life and immense contribution made to the country by Kaunda. ■