President Paul Kagame on Tuesday laid a wreath at the National Heroes Mausoleum in Kigali, paying tribute to Rwanda’s fallen heroes alongside First Lady Jeannette Kagame and senior government officials.
The ceremony followed the annual National Prayer Breakfast, a gathering dedicated to praying for the nation and reflecting on Rwanda’s values and future.
In his address to participants and Rwandans across the country, President Kagame encouraged citizens to remain true to who they are, while learning positive values from others without losing their identity.
Family as the Foundation of a Strong Nation
The President emphasized that strong families form the backbone of a stable and prosperous country.
“There is the individual, the family, and the nation — all connected and dependent on one another,” he said.
“If individuals are not doing well, families cannot thrive. And when families are weak, the nation cannot be strong. Everything starts with people and the families they belong to.”
He noted that national progress depends on personal responsibility and healthy family structures.
Linking National Prayer Day with Heroes Day
President Kagame explained that holding the National Prayer Breakfast alongside Heroes Day was intentional, as both moments encourage reflection on Rwanda’s journey and shared values.
“Every nation reaches moments where it must look back at its history, the struggles it has faced, what it is going through now, and what it aspires to become,” he said.
“These moments remind us where we come from and guide where we should go.”
He also urged young Rwandans studying or working abroad to preserve their identity while embracing useful knowledge and experiences.
“Do not become copies of others,” he advised. “Learn from the good you find elsewhere and use it to build yourselves and your country.”
Rwanda Marks 32nd Heroes Day
This year marked the 32nd anniversary of Heroes Day, celebrated under the theme:
“Heroism and Unity of Rwandans: Pillars of Development.”
Commemorations took place across all districts, where citizens gathered to honor national heroes and discuss values that should define Rwandans in building a better future.
Rwanda recognizes its heroes in three categories:
Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi, honoring individuals who made exceptional sacrifices for the nation.
KIGALI TIMES