As Rwanda celebrates Heroes’ Day on February 1st 2016, Rwandans from various walks of life give their perception of the day and the associative acts of valor that have seen the country metamorphosing into personification of hope and resilience.

Jean BoscoNshimiyimana, taxi-motorist

Heroes’ Day reminds me of men and women who decided to put the rights and the lives of other human beings before theirs, mainly for the love of their motherland and humanity in general. I believe heroism is a spirit we should all have and give value as human beings who love peace, dignity and freedom of our nation.

Margret Uwimana, vendor

I look at heroes as an inspiration to young generations in society. Their great deeds and lives motivate young people to work hard, do great things in their communities, help others, and stand for what is right. Besides, their past endeavours influence people to stand against what is evil for the sake of humanity and people’s development. That’s what heroism means to me.

Cyprien Nkundimana, vendor

There is no doubt that heroes offer good examples worth emulating by our children. From childhood we teach our children the value of heroism, their great deeds, and how it’s essential to consider such heroic individuals as their role models; we do this to enlighten our children about the worth of humanity, freedom and development. In my opinion, heroes mean a lot to us, mainly in educating our youngsters about patriotism.

Maria Tereza Mukandahigwa, housewife

When we look at the struggle, deeds and lives of heroes,we eventually learn how to appreciate the peace, freedom and development that we have today. Knowing someone else shed his/her blood for you to live happily and peacefully; it encourages you to work hard towards keeping and protecting what those heroic individuals fought for. In my opinion, Heroes’ Day is a reminder to us of our struggle and a way to appreciate those who worked tirelessly for what we have today.

Karine Ikitegetse, sales lady

Throughout history Rwanda has been characterised by heroes, people who think of social welfare and put national and humanity interests before their own. We owe the current peace and development to them which is why celebrating their achievements is the least we can do.  

Gaspard Habimana, shop attendant  

Heroes’ Day for me is a very memorable event because it reminds me of the journey my motherland took to reach the current progress and the people who sacrificed their all for it. In fact I wish we celebrated heroes more often so that we can honour their struggle by celebrating their lives. They taught us great patriotism lessons and sacrifice and I know that without their efforts I would not be where I am right now.

Jane Kabatesi, hotel receptionist

I feel particularly closer to my fellow Rwandans on Heroes’ Day because I feel that the history and sacrifice of our heroes brings us close together as Rwandans. We share a common understanding of what we have been through to be where we are today. I thank the government for its efforts to commemorate heroes because I feel that it unites us and sets the bar high for what is expected of a true patriot.

Felicien Muhirwa, house help

I think Heroes’ Day is remembrance of our heroes, their acts as well as to teach the youth the significance and impact of heroism. I have always been inspired by the Rwandan heroes to work hard to uplift my living conditions because their sacrifice should not be in vain. I just hope that the younger generation continuously picks lessons from our heroes.