As Rwandans yesterday paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle and celebrated the gains made thus far, the country was yet again reminded of the unrelenting commitment of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) to help improve the lives of the people of Rwanda.

RDF continues to demonstrate this commitment in various ways, from securing the country’s borders and ensuring the safety of everyone in Rwanda, to physically engaging in socio-economic activities that directly impact people’s lives.

Indeed, yesterday’s celebrations saw the inauguration of several infrastructure projects in Rweru Sector, Nyamata District, including a health post, a model village, a modern market, 17 classrooms, and a 12-km road.

The projects were carried out by the men and women in uniform in the buildup to the Liberation Day – under an annual drive best known as ‘the Army Week’ – alongside other community outreach services, including relocation of over 100 residents from two islets that had been identified as high risk zones, as well as free medical interventions (ophthalmology; dermatology; urology; orthopedics; ear, nose and throat conditions; dental care; gynecology; pediatrics, among others).

This year’s Army Week, which began on June 27, saw RDF medical specialists extend services to up to 125,902 people at four health facilities in Bugesera District. RDF troops also constructed houses and cows for vulnerable people in Nyaruguru and Muhanga districts during the same period.

The Army Week has been a permanent fixture on RDF’s calendar for many years now. It’s based on the concept that informs the RDF’s mandate. Constitutionally, the Rwandan military is mandated to partake in economic activities that improve the wellbeing of citizens. That philosophy is rooted in the history and core mission of the Rwanda Patriotic Army that liberated the country from a fascist regime and stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi – before it metamorphed into present-day Rwanda Defence Forces.

This character continues to define RDF, both at home and in peacekeeping missions away from home. This has not only helped improve people’s lives but has also strengthened the bond that already existed between the RDF and the people.

Thanks to such interventions, the people continue to be at the centre of RDF’s activities.

Now, there are great lessons everyone can learn from the RDF. From the ordinary folk, students and sports fans to corporate, professionals and leaders of all kinds, we all have a lesson or two to learn from RDF’s voluntary services.

Everyone can do something to improve the livelihood of a vulnerable widow, an orphan or household.

That way, we all grow and prosper together as a people. Let’s all take it upon ourselves to help someone else in their quest to take the next step in their life.

We salute the men and women in uniform for their continued exemplary service to the people of Rwanda and their country.