Editor,

Reference is made to the article, "Twenty years later, nation reflects with pride, gratitude” (The New Times, July 4).

All peace loving and patriotic Rwandans owe our Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) more than mere words can convey. I dare say that, in this respect, our beloved nation and all Rwandans have been blessed for the last couple of decades or so.

We are eternally grateful to God and those in charge of our protection and security. Individuals come and go, good and solid institutions remain as permanent pillars any respectful nation is built and grounded on.

Regimes prior to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi are notorious for their divisive, oppressive and hateful policies Rwanda has known and suffered for long. Their deep wounds and un-cancelable scars, horrors and traumas are part of the sad and unforgettable history for generations to come.

Yes; we are called to forgive, but never to forget lest what happened reoccurs. Never again.

Internal and external enemies abated by some regional, African and western génocidaire ideologies are sources of conflicts and wars they create and provoke, aliment and sustain for their ulterior evil motives.

They are always watching, eager to dismantle and destroy whatever we have been trying to build. Our brave, dedicated and generous defense forces, in collaboration with all peace loving Rwandans, are always ready to protect and defend us.

Our deep gratitude, respect and love we owe you indeed.

Andrew, Rwanda

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I am very rarely short of words. But on this 20th anniversary of our nation’s liberation from the deadly grip of genocidal evil, all I want is to reaffirm my enduring gratitude to our liberators.

May you continue to be our nation’s shield and its pride!

We go about our daily work, invest in our nation’s future without any worry, and sleep soundly in our homes at night because we know you are on guard, watchful, and more than equal to the task.

Each time I walk anywhere in my country and I see any of you keeping vigil, my feeling of security is reinforced. We thank you.

Mwene Kalinda, Rwanda