Rwandans in the US mark Liberation Day

WASHINGTON - The Rwandan Diaspora in the United States Saturday joined the rest in celebrating for the 15th time the liberation of the country. According to a statement from Washington, the colourful event was characterized by traditional dances and a speech from Rwandan envoy James Kimonyo, who informed the attendants the numerous achievements the country has registered since after the 1994 Genocide.

Monday, July 06, 2009
Rwandans in the Diaspora performing during celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of Liberation Day in Washington (Courtsey Photo)

WASHINGTON - The Rwandan Diaspora in the United States Saturday joined the rest in celebrating for the 15th time the liberation of the country.

According to a statement from Washington, the colourful event was characterized by traditional dances and a speech from Rwandan envoy James Kimonyo, who informed the attendants the numerous achievements the country has registered since after the 1994 Genocide.

He paid tribute to the heroes who stopped the genocide, saying that they not only stopped the massacres, but also became flag bearers for the prevailing unity in the country.

"Many young men and women some of them in this room are celebrating new education opportunities offered to them on the basis of merit and not on the basis of ethnicity or region,” said the envoy.

The event coincided with the Americans marking 233 years of independence.

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