Luanda — The governor of Luanda Province, Bento Francisco Bento, on Monday placed a wreath on the tombs of commanders Paiva Domingos da Silva, Francisco Imperial Santana and Cónego Manuel das Neves, in Alto das Cruzes Cemetery, in the ambit of the commemorations of February 04, which is the day of the start of the armed struggle against colonialism.

On the occasion, Bento Francisco Bento said the date has an important meaning, because it comes to demonstrate the courage of the Angolan people.

He added that his gesture is aimed at paying homage to the pioneers of the this great historical event which took place in 1961.

He stressed that in this date, Angolans are present and willing to continue the struggle for development, under the guidance of President José Eduardo dos Santos.

He also explained that on the basis of a programme that was drafted by the ruling MPLA party, "the battle continues so that Angola can be a good country to live in, providing education, health and well-being for all".

The ceremony was attended by MPs, politicians, members of the defence and security forces, as well as former combatants and survivors of the February 04 events.

On February 04, 1961, Angolan nationalists launched an attack on the São Paulo and Casa Reclusão prisons in Luanda, which set the start of the national armed liberation struggle against the Portuguese colonial regime, which led to the proclamation of national independence on 11 November 1975.