On January 23, the Chancellery for Heroes, National Order and Decoration of Honour launched a week-long series of activities that will lead up to the National Heroes Day on February 2. To be held under the theme, ‘Ubutwari bw’Abanyarwanda, Agaciro Kacu’, or ‘Rwandans’ Heroism, Our Dignity’, the day will see Rwandans across the country hold discussions about heroism and patriotism and how these values can be sustained and successfully inculcated among the present and future generations. Rwanda’s history is littered with heroic men and women –the gallant sons and daughters of this land who did not only cherish and stood for the values that we all like to identify with but did not hesitate to pay the ultimate price in defence of these ideals. From King Charles Léon Pierre Mutara III Rudahigwa and Fred Gisa Rwigema to Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka and the Nyange Secondary School students, Rwandans are not short of towering heroes and heroines to celebrate and draw inspiration from. Before their heroic actions set them apart from others, these were just ordinary people, they experienced and endured life’s challenges just like many of their peers. Yet these were not self-seekers, they were individuals who were always ready to put country above themselves and to stand for the truth and common good. As we continue to pay tribute to the National Heroes, it’s imperative that we pause and look back at the how far we have come as a nation, reflect on those values that have defined Rwanda during the last 20 years and lay mechanisms for continued success. As we celebrate the lives of our heroes and heroines, we should recommit to our unity of purpose and pursuit of common good rather than self-interest, and continue to seek self-reliance as well as individual and collective dignity. That is the only way we shall uphold the values the brave men and women we celebrate this week laid down their lives for. Every Rwandan can help sustain the legacy of our heroes by walking in their footsteps. Together we can make Rwanda a country of gallant heroes and heroines.
