President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame pay tribute to Rwandan Heroes.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame pay tribute to Rwandan Heroes on Feb/01/2025.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame paid tribute to Rwandan Heroes and laid flowers at the Heroes' Tomb in Remera, Kigali City. The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, was attended by leaders from various government and security sectors, ambassadors of their countries in Rwanda, and representatives of the families of heroes who rest at the Heroes' Tomb. 

Before paying homage and laying flowers at the Heroes' Tomb, the national anthem will be sung and a minute's silence will be observed to remember the fallen heroes.

The Director of Research at the National Heroes, Medals and Orders Office [CHENO], Rwaka Nicolas, said that this day is celebrated to highlight the exploits of heroes who were characterized by patriotism, self-sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid flowers at the monument of bravery. Their respective High Commissioners to Rwanda, Ambassador Youssef Imani, who currently represents Morocco, also honored Rwandan heroes. Representatives of the heroes' families who rest at the Heroes' Cemetery paid their respects. They laid flowers at the monument of bravery in remembrance of them and their sacrifices for the good of the country.

Rwanda celebrates heroes in two categories: the Imanzi and the Imena. The Imanzi category includes the Unknown Soldier, representing all soldiers who fell in battle fighting for Rwanda and those who will be resurrected. This includes Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who led the country's liberation struggle in the early days.

The Imena category includes King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Rwagasana Michel, Uwilingiyimana Agathe, Niyitegeka Felicité, and the Nyange students who refused to separate themselves when attacked by infiltrators in 1997.

 National Heroes Day was celebrated for the 31st time, with the theme "Courage and Unity of Rwandans, Pillars of Development."

The National Heroes Day was organized by the National Heroes, Medals and Medals of Honor Office (CHENO) in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).

It is a day when Rwandans remember and reflect on the National Heroes and their outstanding achievements. Reflecting on the successes of the National Heroes gives every Rwandan, especially the youth, the opportunity to learn about the accomplishments of Rwandan Heroes and to emulate them.

In celebrating this day, Rwandans and the youth, in particular, remember that the culture of heroism is the pillar of the country that has built the country since ancient times and that Rwandans have been trained in since the existence of Rwanda until today.

The youth are trained in this culture to do what is beneficial to the country, avoid cowardice, and avoid being defeated by any kind of threat. Heroes' Day has been celebrated every year on February 1st since 1999 because, between 1994 and 1998, it was celebrated on October 1st and combined with Patriotism Day.