Kruger Day or Heroes' Day was a official public holiday in South Africa from 1882 to 1899 and again from 1952 to 1994, which celebrated annually on 10 October. The day was named after Paul Kruger, a South African politician who served as president of the South African Republic; the holiday celebrated his birthday on October 10. The day was used to underline the values and principles of the Afrikaner people.