The correct answer is "gain support for their movement".
The use of former national heroes is a common tool used by revolutionaries in their attempts to topple the current regime and achieve power. Examples of this are the common reference former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made towards General Simon Bolivar, who was the leader of the northern faction of the rebellion against the Spaniards who ended up gaining the independence of Latin American Countries form the Spanish Crown.
These revolutionary leaders appeal to the sentiments of the population. A technique that has proven to be a success throughout history.