Kigali: Rwanda celebrates on 1st February, the National Heroes Day to honour the National Heroes and reflect on their sacrifice and courage in serving the country.
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Dukomeze Ubutwari mu Cyerekezo Twahisemo”. Activities marking the day included the laying of wreath at the Heroes square as well as public talks on Heroism across all villages in the country.
In his message to mark the day, President Kagame paid tribute to Rwandan heroes and encouraged Rwandans to keep the country’s progress towards the future ‘we want’.
“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 Kagame wrote on twitter.
A Hero, as defined by the law establishing the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor, is any person who pursues objectives he / she undertakes to obtain a special achievement for the public interest and with high proven integrity, sacrifice and noble courage in his / her acts and who avoids being a coward in his / her actions in very trying situations.
To be classified as a National Hero in Rwanda, a person shall meet a number of criteria, including Proven integrity, Patriotism, Sacrifice, defense of public interests and, where necessary, sacrifice of one’ s life, Vision, Proven courage or bravery, to serve as an example, Truthfulness, Magnanimity and Humanity.
Rwandan heroes are classified into three categories: Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi
Imanzi
IMANZI is the supreme Hero who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and example
Imena
IMENA is the 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
Ingenzi
INGENZI is the Hero who seconds IMENA and who is notorious for his/her good ideas or his/her outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, great importance and high example. (End)