Pretoria - South Africa is a nation that continued to draw its strength from its fallen heroes, says Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.
"By preserving the memory of the fallen victims of previous wars, slavery, colonialism, racism and by honouring the heroes and heroines of the apartheid struggle we are essentially strengthening our unity as a nation."
He was responding to a question from a Member of Parliament Marius Fransman on government's plans to instil patriotism, nation-building and a sense of respect for the unsung heroes who contributed in liberating South Africa.
Motlanthe told the National Assembly on Wednesday that government was in collaboration with civil society through the National Legacy Projects of the Department of Arts and Culture.
These projects specifically support the development of new commemorative structures in the form of museums and monuments such as the Freedom Park Museum that consists of a memorial, interactive museum and a garden of remembrance.
"We are acknowledging our heritage, and this Park is a reflection of the sacrificial achievements of our nation thus ensuring that our children never forget those who gave their lives so that we could have our rights, freedom and social and cultural diversity."
However, he acknowledged that a lot more can be done particularly at a local level - provincial and municipal - in commemorating unsung heroes and heroines.
"It is important however that we use this process to build unity and to commemorate a shared history of which we are all a part."
