GASABO - Thousands of people from all corners of the country thronged Amahoro National Stadium, in Remera, yesterday to mark the 15th Heroes Anniversary which is celebrated every year on February First.

Busses carrying people from upcountry started arriving at the stadium as early as 6am and by 6:30 long queues of people could be seen at the gates, with over 35.000 people filling the stadium to capacity at the end of the day.

Patriotic songs rocked the stadium, rekindling memories of the liberation songs sung by those particular people who were being remembered for their heroic deeds, aimed at liberating the country from colonialism and bad leadership, eventually sacrificing their own lives.

The crowd clapped in approval every time the Pictures of Maj.Gen Fred Rwigyema, King Mutara Rudahigwa III, Former Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Felicite Niyitegeka Michel, Rwagasana and the girls of Nyange flashed across the giant display screen in the stadium.

In her welcome speech, the Mayor of Gasabo whose district hosted this year’s celebration commended Rwandans for turning up in big numbers; an act she said symbolized National Unity.

The Mayor of Kigali, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kakira who was one of the key speakers of the day thanked the government for choosing the city of Kigali to host the day’s commemoration urging residents of Kigali to focus on the day’s theme which calls for commitment to put the needs of the country first, putting forward the values of Rwandans.

She urged them to promote national values as they strive to improve their lives and those of their households through embracing hygiene, which is part and parcel of Rwandan Culture.

The Minister of Sports and Culture Joseph Habineza said that plans are underway to establish a permanent committee charged with the task of identifying heroes and awarding them with medals and other kinds of honours.

Habineza added that everybody has the capacity to be a hero considering their contribution to Nation building, urging everybody to strive hard to be identified by this committee when it is fully established.

He also emphasised the need to uphold Rwanda’s Culture and values especially at this time when negative elements are at work to halt the progress of the nation.

He stated that in Rwandan culture, truth is always brought forward and society ills such as corruption, genocide ideology and sectarianism have no room, something which the current generation should emulate and be proud of like their ancestors.

The Army and Police Band played to the over 22 groups from the public and Private sector that participated in the colourful procession, pledging their commitment to work for national cause.

They included schools, corporate companies, local authorities, NGO’s and other from the Civil Society.

Spectacular performances from the National Cultural Troupe in honour of the fallen heroes thrilled the crowd which included Cabinet Ministers, Diplomatic Corps, Senators, Members of Parliament, heads of government institutions as well as the army and police top brass.

Other notable performances of the day came from acrobats and Cyprien Rugamba Choir while Emmanuel Muvuguruza and Ferdinand Munezero, both University students recited crowd moving patriotic poems.

Ends