Saluting Our Heroes

Jamaica is our island’s name, A land blessed with so much fame. And for the part that our heroes did play, We pause to reflect and salute them today. Nanny of the Maroons was a heroine ,true and brave , And fought with all her might not to be a slave. Marcus Mosiah Garvey made us proud of our Black race, And everywhere he went there was pride on his face. Paul Bogle of Stony Gut fought for justice for all, And the powers that be had no choice but to listen to his call. Norman Washington Manley defended workers’ rights with passion, And fought with all his might to change every unjust working condition. Sir Alexander Bustamante was a stalwart for workers everywhere, And was the voice of the voiceless and spoke without fear. George William Gordon stood tall to help the poor with their plight, And he never backed down or turned away until things were made right. Sam Sharpe listened and he heard what the planters said, But he stood tall and bravely said, “No more slavery,I’d rather be dead.” We have been blessed with a great legacy and we are a proud nation, And our unsung heroes and heroines continue to rise to the occasion. We must unite against the common foe and guard against complacency, We must be resilient like our heroes and safeguard our rich legacy. A legacy of greatness , hard work and resilience in every community, A legacy of talent, ambition, skills and self-worth in every nook and cranny. No retreat! no surrender! we will continue to blaze a trail, And as the blood of our ancestors runs through our veins, we will prevail! Not by sight but by great might, we will continue the fight, As we vow to conquer the common foe and make things right. And just like our heroes did , we will stand tall with pride and decency, As we salute our heroes and safeguard our rich, bountiful legacy.