National Heroes Day in Saint Kitts And Nevis

National Heroes Day is a public holiday that’s observed annually on September 16th in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This holiday commemorates all those heroes who have given their service to the country over the years. What makes a national hero? A national hero is one who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the country.

Currently, there are five national heroes celebrated on this day: Kennedy Simmonds, Paul Southwell, Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, Simeon Daniel, and Joseph Nathaniel France. This holiday has been in effect since the 1990s and has been celebrated ever since.

The History of National Heroes Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 1998, the Federal Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis passed the National Honours Act 1998. This act established three different classes of awards: The Order of the National Hero, the Medal of Honour, and the Star of Merit. The act also created National Heroes Day and proclaimed it to be celebrated on September 16th.

The first National Heroes Day honored Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the first Premier of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This holiday is observed on his birthday. In 2013, Simeon Daniel, the first Premier of Nevis, was inducted into the list of National Heroes. And in 2015, Dr. Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds became the first living person to receive this particular honor.

Observing National Heroes Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis

On this day, a commemorative event honors the past heroes of Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as a ceremony honoring current heroes. There are also parades, festivals, and other events celebrated on this day. People also use the day to spend time with friends and family members or simply use the holiday as an excuse to take a day off for themselves.

Where is it celebrated?
Saint Kitts and Nevis (Public holiday)
When is it?
This year (2024)
September 16 Monday
Next year (2025)
September 16 Tuesday
Last year (2023)
September 16 Saturday