Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in the African countries of Kenya, Senegal, Mali, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau and Gambia virtually celebrated the National Heroes’ Day on Saturday, February 6.
During the event, they paid tribute to the people who exemplified and defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the wellbeing of the country and Rwandans.
At the National level in Rwanda, the Day was observed, also virtually, on February 1.
In Kenya, the virtual celebrations attracted over 300 Rwandans in different parts of Kenya including Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Mombasa.
Discussions to mark the Day focused on the theme, "Our Heroism, our Dignity.”
During the event, speakers made presentations on the significance of the Day, indicating that the heroes being celebrated today are in three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi.
The Imanzi category, the highest order, features people who registered utmost achievements at the expense of everything, including their own lives.
Speakers further gave testimonies of how the current heroism manifests itself in different forms including contributing to national development efforts.
The celebrations in Kenya were officiated by Richard Masozera, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Kenya.
In his remarks, Masozera emphasised the significance of the Heroes' Day, informing participants that as the country builds itself, the challenge today remains how to best instill values of heroism to the country’s youth who are growing in a globalised world.
"Heroes’ Day reminds us to continue the legacy of what those heroes strived for. That we should keep the legacy that has taken the lives of those we remember. That is what the day reminds us,” he concluded.
For Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in Senegal, Mali, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau and The Gambia, the celebrations were broadcast live on Rwanda Television.
The Guest Speakers for the event including Edouard Bamporiki, Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Tito Rutaremara, Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF), Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana, Airforce Chief of Staff at Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) and Christelle Kwizera, a young entrepreneur, were hosted by Jean Pierre Karabaranga, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal.
The event offered the speakers and attendees the opportunity to highlight the heroism and pay tribute to people who did their utmost for the benefit of their country and fellow citizens.
They included in their tribute the Unknown Soldier representing all soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation struggle and those who may in the future shed their blood on a battlefield to defend the country's sovereignty and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema, who died on the frontline during the liberation struggle in October 1990 as well as other heroes known for their extraordinary acts for the country.
Such heroic acts were characterised by many values including integrity, patriotism and sacrifice, acts of bravery, setting a good example, truthfulness, and love for others.
Some participants like retired Colonel Mamadou Adje from Senegal who served as one of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Rwanda (UNAMIR) peacekeepers during the Genocide against the Tutsi, saluted the bravery of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPA) solders whom he said demonstrated outstanding achievements characterised by supreme sacrifice to rescue innocent people.