Rwandans have been called upon to uphold the same values that celebrated national heroes cherished and promoted.

Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, the chairperson of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honours (CHENO), who was yesterday addressing a news conference on the progress of preparations for this year’s Heroes’ Day due February 1, said heroism is an identity that continues to define Rwandans.

"Heroes Day should be an occasion for everyone to think about the achievements of the country’s heroes and how to walk in their footsteps as Rwanda owes the current status to heroism,” Habumuremyi said.

The forthcoming Heroes Day will be marked under the theme, "Strive for heroism: build a better future.”

Rwandan heroes are classified into three categories; Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.

The Imanzi category consists of Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigyema and the ‘Unknown Soldier’ who represents all the soldiers that died during the Liberation struggle.

The ‘Imena’ category consists of King Mutara III Rudahigwa Charles Léon Pierre, Michael Rwagasana, Agatha Uwiringiyimana, Felicité Niyitegeka, and the students of Nyange Secondary School.

The third category, Ingenzi, consists of all heroes who are still alive, namely the 40 survivors of the Nyange attack of March 18, 1997, during which seven students were killed after refusing to separate themselves on ethnic groups.

Déo Nkusi, executive secretary of CHENO, said the search is ongoing to identify new heroes.

He said, "We have about 200 nominees that we are still scrutinising to see if they fulfill the requirements to be classified among heroes. For some, the process was completed; and the list will be submitted to competent authorities for approval.”

Celebration will be preceded by different activities aiming to raise awareness on the culture of heroism. These activities include a heroism walk scheduled tomorrow from Rugando in Kimihurura to Petit Stade in Remera, heroism work that will run from tomorrow to January 31, radio talk shows, heroism concert, among others.

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