The week past, this newspaper has been running articles showcasing how different Rwandans view, and celebrate, Patriotism Day. There is no doubt that Rwanda is what it is today because of the deep love Rwandans have for their country.

The paper has run stories, as it is going to continue doing, of people who sacrificed their all, including their lives, to liberate this country from the shackles of a selfish and murderous regime; those who had a lot to offer, and those who had little, but that little being their everything.

There are many Rwandans who have expressed their patriotism by coming back home to work for Rwanda, leaving very lucrative posts in the Diaspora.

There are those ordinary Rwandans who express their patriotism by contributing their little to national development, by performing their jobs selflessly and without complaining, even though the conditions under which they are working are not the best – the teachers, policemen, nurses and midwives.

There are other civil servants who will not take a penny that does not advance the national cause, even when they are in positions where they can do so without anyone being the wiser.

Being a country just resurrecting from ruin, remunerations are not the best. But Rwandans continue performing their various services with a stoicism-like determination that only comes with love.

To all these we dedicate this day, and urge them to fight all tendencies that might be construed to mean harm to the nation and its long-suffering people.

The accolades that Rwanda has won on the international scene have not come without a struggle to stamp the country on the globe as capable of holding her own against the best.

Patriotism liberated this country; patriotism will develop this country to that level where the next generations will enjoy much better life, and look back with pride upon what we today are struggling to build.

Happy Patriotism Day to all Rwandans.
Ends