On Saturday, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame led the nation in honoring Rwanda’s heroes. They laid flowers at the National Heroes’ Monument in Remera, Kigali, during a ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, and the families of fallen heroes.
The event, held on February 1, 2025, marked the 31st celebration of Heroes’ Day. The theme was “Heroism and Unity among Rwandans, Pillars of Development.” The ceremony honored heroes in two main categories: Imanzi and Imena.
The Imanzi category included an unnamed soldier who represents all those who died fighting for Rwanda, as well as Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema, a founding member of the RPF. The Imena category recognized figures like King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Agathe Uwilingiyimana, and the Nyange students who stood together in 1997 during rebel attacks.
While the heroes were remembered at the monument, the spirit of the day reached every corner of Rwanda. Communities across the country discussed the values of heroism and unity, reflecting on the sacrifices made for the nation’s progress.
A special televised discussion featured Colonel Migambi Désiré from the Rwandan Army, Mireille Batamuliza from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, and Ruhumuriza Anselme from the National Youth Council. Ruhumuriza spoke about the youth’s responsibility to honor Rwanda’s heroes and defend the country’s values.
“On behalf of the youth, we thank the heroes for giving us a future. We are ready to continue their work,” he said. He also recalled a powerful statement from a young child during the previous evening’s event: “Those who want to challenge Rwanda will see what happens when the battle comes.”
Colonel Migambi stressed the importance of unity, sovereignty, and Rwandan culture, values that have been passed down through generations. He said that these principles continue to guide the country today.
Mireille Batamuliza spoke about the role of Rwandan families in nurturing future heroes. She reminded everyone that heroes are made, not born, through the community’s support.
Déo Nkusi, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, highlighted the importance of unity and heroism as the foundation for Rwanda’s ongoing development.
The Heroes’ Monument in Remera has been renovated to include a new museum dedicated to the history of Rwanda’s heroes. This space will educate future generations and serve as a place for continued reflection on the nation’s journey.
