The United States Embassy in Kigali, on Thursday, paid tribute to its staff killed during the Genocide, as part of the activities to mark the 18th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.The event, held at the mission’s premises in Kacyiru, was attended by families of the 25 staff members who perished during the Genocide, religious and government officials.The US Ambassador to Rwanda, Donald Koran, observed that Rwanda’s renaissance has made it rise above the legacy of the past."I have seen how much you have accomplished in such a short time. I think the theme for this year is very befitting [to learn from history to shape a bright future].  I can see this bright future today, in a way that I did not see it 10 years ago when I last served here,” Koran said.Koran has previously served in Rwanda as Deputy Head of Mission. "Today, there is peace, much greater unity and Rwandans are building their own path to prosperity.  Rwandans today are better educated and are healthier than they were before the genocide,” he added.He said there is still a long way to go but the "foundation has been laid” and that Rwandans should hold together for a better future.Koran commended the determination and desire of the families of their fallen staff to move forward and lead strong, meaningful lives.The embassy foots the education bills of the children of the fallen staff.The ambassador pledged US support in building the country’s peace, stability and prosperity."All Rwandans, no matter where you were in 1994, lost something in those horrible 100 days.  But here you are.  You are a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit; you are not just the keepers of the past, but the creators of the future.”  Sheikh Abdul Karim Gahutu, the Grand Mufti of Rwanda, observed that the tragic history was as a result of bad leadership of the time.He commended the current leadership which has managed to lift the country out of the tragic past, against all odds, and the commitment by the survivors not to be held back by sorrow.The event also included a testimony from Immaculee Mukantaganira, a widow of one of the mission’s killed staff. She commended the mission’s effort to support families of the victims.The event, which started by laying a wreath on a memorial plaque built in the embassy compound in memory of the deceased staff members, was graced by performances from local artistes, Blessed Sisters and Kizito Mihigo.