Rwandans from all walks of life converged in their respective villages to pay tribute to Rwandan heroes – men and women, young and adults who accomplished outstanding activities and were recognized while alive or after death.

February 1st, a national holiday in Rwanda was celebrated in different forms, but all of them translating the need to instil among the youth, the culture of achieving what the common understanding of a human being may not necessarily afford.

One of them is Maj General Fred Gisa Rwigema, the first commander in RPF struggle – 1990 who was put in the supreme category of heroes called Imanzi.

The latter is the supreme Hero who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and example.

Other category of heroes is Imena, a hero who seconds Imanzi and who is reputed for his/ her extraordinary acts for the country which are characterized by supreme sacrifice, high importance and example.

Late Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Prime Minister of Rwanda who was killed during the Genocide, King Mutara III Rudahigwa among others, belong to this category.

Sessions to speak about Rwandan heroes and how the youth could emulate them were the main event of the day across all villages and in media.

Edouard Bamporiki, the chairperson of National Itorero program, which encourages Rwandans to uphold Rwandan values, told the youth that they have no choice but to struggle to develop the country.

“When you struggle to save your countrymen, you save yourself as well, but when you keep a low profile, you perish with your compatriots,” said Bamporiki

In other areas, the local government was handing over residential houses to the poor, case of Kicukiro district where 37 families were sheltered in a beautiful modern village.

The day started with a strong message from the man who led a struggle, which took the country from abyss following the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi to her current glory.

Your Dedication was not in vain – Kagame

“To ALL the heroes of our Country and Struggle…for whom this day is meant to be remembered, the sacrifice and dedication have not been in vain. It is the duty of all of us to keep progress going for the country to be where we want!!! A very good day to You,” President Paul Kagame wrote on his official Twitter account.

Kagame knows best the meaning of heroism in Rwandan context. He was part of the army that liberated Rwanda – the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi.