Rwanda today, celebrated the 28th National Heroes Day, an occasion to pay tribute to people who sacrificed for the country and its citizens in different ways.

The New Times’ spoke to different celebrities and shared their take on what Heroes' Day means to them. 

Jules Sentore

Heroes Day is, for me, an undeniable bond that we have with those who liberated the country and selflessly accepted to sacrifice their lives for us to live peacefully.

For that, such a bond shouldn’t be taken for granted, yet we ought to respect that and step in their footsteps when the right time comes.

To fellow youth, to be a hero, you have to earn it. So, we must fight for the best and be the next heroes.

Alyn Sano

Heroes Day for all Rwandans should be a day to respect and remember in day-to-day life.

The National Heroes Day is such an extraordinary day to all Rwandans as we all know that our heroes did extraordinary things to rescue us.

Special thanks to our government for making this specific day to commemorate them, Heroes.

To all the Rwandans, let’s never let what our heroes sacrifice go in vain. We can be Imena, Ingenzi or Imanzi.

Let’s follow in our heroes' footprints and be the heroes too. Everyone can make it and charity begins at home.

If you can be a hero in your family, you can also be a hero to your country. With such a mindset of being heroes, the country will be at ease knowing that we, youth, are always striving to protect and sustain what our heroes achieved.

Alex Muyoboke

Our heroes rescued our family and they lost their lives in the process and now we are enjoying the fruits of their sweat and living in the peaceful country.

I wish artistes could compose songs in honor of our heroes just like they always do amazing songs in other categories.

It’s so sad to see the ignorance of anyone who takes this day for granted. People like this have no idea of where they are going.

Love your country and celebrate its success as long as it’s the best you can do it yourself.

Let’s build a peaceful country that we will not only live in but also a country we will leave for our future generations.

Franco Kabano, Founder Webest Model

Heroes Day is a continuity and a quick reminder of hard work and protecting what has been already done as well as keep doing what is best for Rwandans.

In whatever we do, let’s put our efforts together as Rwandans and Africans as well. I pray our dear parents never teach their children anything that can make them grow with hatred or divisionism. Instead, train them to love the country, teach them about patriotism.

To the fellow youth, Rwanda is in our hands, let’s remember that anything we are doing today, the results will define the greatness of our future beautiful country. Let’s choose wisely.

Mariya Yohanna, musician

Honestly, this day is a God’s gift. Anyone who thinks of this day as any other day knows nothing about it at all.

All Rwandans should celebrate this day and let it sink in their bloodline instead. We have the best examples to look at from our great grandparents who fought to build this peaceful nation we have.

God loves Rwanda so much. We strongly believe that He will provide some future heroes from our young generation. They are doing great and with that, they are leaders of the future nation and heroes are promised.

On this specific day, we commemorate the heroes who set a good example of patriotism, working for the country and fighting for the best.

We ought to remember all they did and do the same or even act smarter to ensure that we keep their legacy with enough respect.

The young generation are the eyes, ears, hands, and the future of our great nation.

Looking at the heroes’ achievements and leaving egos behind should be the only way to follow for the mutual commitment of the entire country.

Andy Bumuntu

I am so proud to be a Rwandan and I am proud of my country. I am more grateful to all the heroes who sacrificed their lives to get to victory.

Being a hero is our heritage and being an artiste is the best tool to spread the word as a reminder of what we owe to our heroes and their inspiration.

Heroes Day reminds me of what always inspires me to compose songs about patriotism which must be our identity in all we do as Rwandans.

As an artiste, I celebrate this day and also be reminded of the responsibilities of whatever needs to be done for us to keep Rwanda safe and prosperous.