A public holiday in Anguilla that annually falls on December 19.
Previously this holiday was called Separation Day.
Separation Day was originally established to celebrate the anniversary of separation of Anguilla from the territory of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, that was given a status of associate state by Britain.
On July 11, 1967 Anguilla held a referendum on secession from the federation and a separate legislative counsel was immediately declared.
The formal disassociation from Saint Kitts was made only on December 19, 1980 and Anguilla finally became a separate British dependency.
Several years ago the government of Anguilla made a decision to rename the holiday into National Heroes and Heroines Day.
The celebration is dedicated to all heroes and heroines, who played an important role the history of Anguilla and gave their lives for its prosperity.
