Memory serves as the bedrock of individual and collective identities, anchoring societies and nations in the turbulent seas of history. In the aftermath of genocidal atrocities, where the very fabric of society is torn asunder, memory stands as a bastion of resistance against oblivion. For it is through memory that we honor the victims, learn from the past, and chart a path towards reconciliation and renewal. As the timeless George Santayana adage goes, Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Memory, therefore, is not merely an act of nostalgia, but a sacred duty, a beacon of light guiding men and nations through the darkest of times to a point of historical and moral clarity, as key safeguards against repeating past horrors. As Rwanda pauses to remember for the 31st time, the heroic exploits of her liberators, must not be forgotten, because they are the reason we are here, not only reflecting on past horrors, but with the freedom to dream of a better world, tomorrow. The following poem, inspired by this reality, explores a new manifestation of memory in our Echoes of Memory series. Courage’s gaze From valleys deep, Where shadows creep, A nation wept, A heart did bleed. A mournful sweep, Over a tragic deed Heard across the land As bloodied rain Stained the earth Leaving her soul slain, And a nation prostrates; Bowed beneath The weight Of blind Hatred And infinite barbarity. But from this shroud Of darkened dread Whispers rose From souls ablaze, With courage’s gaze Into the darkness And put an end To the murdering madness. The tip Of the liberating gaze: @PK, emboding A shepherd's heart And a nation's hope. From exile's sting, He saw the wounds Of a shattered peace, Of the broken trust, The shredded dreams, And the lost humanity; And vowed To turn around The wheels of tragedy, And restore sanity Where insanity Reigned with abandon. His resolve inspired Countless others To climb The burning mountain And extinguish The consuming Fires of hate; With many Consumed without let. The soldiers Fought with grit and grace, To shield the innocent; Yesterday’s survivors Today’s teachers Of forgiveness, resilience And compassion. The soldiers valor Shines in every place, And gladdens every soul; For they bled To free the land From darkness’ shroud. Their names may fade, Yet echoes of their deed Float on every breath; On every sun’s ray; And on every smile That greets a new day The liberators Came like ancient healers; With gentle hands, To mend the broken, Soothe the pains, And tame the demons. They understood The twisted bands Of grief and fear. They built bridges Strong and vast, To mend the chasm And craft a future Where kindness awakes And unity and hope Could bloom. The legacy Of these heroes And heroines Echoes in the hearts Of every survivor, Shines in the eyes Of abana b’urwanda Who, together, Sing Ndi Umunyarwanda. Their legacy stands Like a towering Mountain Of Rwanda's Infinite spirit, And glitters Like the golden sun, Against any gloom That might wish to bloom And unsettle The calm in this room; For the harvest Of her children’s Lost blood Must be enduring Calm in every heart, Peace In every place, Bounty In every county, And the embrace Of dignity And grace Of our shared Humanity. By Amb Williams Nkurunziza April 2025
