Defense Forces Day in Zimbabwe (09/08)

Defense Forces Day is celebrated annually in the country in mid-August. Usually on this day a military parade is held in the capital of the country, Harare.

It was thanks to the defence forces that Zimbabwe defended its hard-won independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Zimbabwe Defence Force is formed on a voluntary basis. Consist of the ground forces, air force and republican police.

Meanwhile, the formation of defense forces became a daunting task for the country because it involved the integration of three seemingly incompatible and even conflicting armies: the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and the Rhodesian Army. Following the successful completion of the integration process, the government established the day following National Heroes' Day (which is celebrated on the second Monday of August) and proclaimed it Zimbabwe Defense Forces Day.

Shortly after its creation (in 1980), the Zimbabwe Defense Forces showed significant achievements, both locally and internationally. Among their merits is the successful maintenance of peace, tranquility and stable conditions, which are so important for the social and economic development of this African state.

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