Heroism: Only selfless sacrifice needed to create a hero

Today Rwanda celebrates Heroes Day, and this year’s theme is: “Heroism in Development”. In effect, the theme is not only to recognise outstanding political and military developments, it is also geared towards encouraging entrepreneurship that has brought or is to bring great social-economic development to the citizens of Rwanda. It is important to point out that we shall ever be grateful to every citizen – and non-citizens alike – who sacrificed so much for the liberation of this country.People lost more than property during the struggle; they lost lives. This is the ultimate sacrifice. So it is fitting that we recognise and salute these sacrifices, as we should endeavour to run affairs of this country in such a manner as to make everyone proud that they who died never lost their lives in vain. Therefore it is so important that as we celebrate, we take stock of where we have come from, and programme ourselves to do even better. As State Minister in charge of Industry and Investment Promotion Vincent Karega said recently at a public lecture, heroes must make outstanding achievements for the good of society and not for personal gain, because when they do, such persons stray from the path of social revolution. Every Rwandan must give fully of themselves for the public good, and by so doing they tread a heroic path, for heroes are not only who have died after selfless execution for the public good, but even those living and behaving in such approved manner. Let this year’s theme be a cry, a great urge, to every Rwandan to work hard enough to be put in the sights for heroism. It takes a while, but there should be a beginning. All factors that are involved in production should be judiciously brought into play to the advancement of Rwandans be they manpower, land, or the finances. In all these though, entrepreneurship is the most outstanding, because of the power of the brain to bring a great deal - even from nought. Ends